Quote Originally Posted by Sephiroth View Post
I do not know why they chose these names except because of the original meaning. I only know they often chose a name with a different Japanese pronounciation that still is supposed to have a different sounding western name. Zakkusu also is meant to be "Zack" and Zack does not have an "s" sound and "Zack" very well is the intended name.


I have not yet analyzed the origin of all of Chrono Trigger's names but I can assure you the "l" and "r" difference is totally irrelevant. And if a Japanese booklet actually calls her "Lucca" she was meant to be Lucca.


Yeah, with names like Zack and Squall, they couldn't exactly be romanized literally and still make sense, and needed legit translation. But at least with those you could tell exactly what they were going for, so it was easy enough to figure out. Rydia presents a unique problem, because of course they want to give characters exotic names, and for them, Rydia and Lydia are probably both exotic. Yet for us only one of them is exotic.. Hm.. I can see why they went with Rydia now..

Edit: I guess it helps if someone on the Japanese team knows enough to give them an already westernized name

Very informative posts though. I thank you muchly. I've only really touched on learning Japanese. I gave up, but always appreciate the information