Pokemon draws inspiration everywhere for the designs of their Pocket Monsters. There are many Pokemon based on animals, plants, natural phenomena, and mythical creatures. There are even Pokemon everyday objects like key chains, sand castles, and garbage bags.

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What's surprisingly rare is Pokemon based on real people. This fell out of practice because of the fear of being sued (more on that later). However, there are still plenty of Pokemon who are loving tributes to people that are beloved throughout the world. So let's take a look at the best Pokemon serving as tributes to actual human people.

12 Delibird - Santa Claus

Delibird reaching into its tail, Santa looking at the camera

Santa Claus is easily one of the most iconic figures in the world. Most well-known for the films where he's portrayed by Tim Allen and David Harbour, Santa's main work occurs on Christmas Eve where he delivers toys to good children around the globe.

That being said, there are people in the world who will tell you that Santa isn't real. But don't believe them! His sleigh is powered by the spirit of Christmas so the more people that believe in him, the more powerful he becomes. Plus, he is no longer included on Forbes' list of richest fictional characters, so take that how you will.

11 Kantonian Mr. Mime - Marcel Marceau

Marcel Marceau smirking on a black background as Pip the Clown, Mr. Mime pretending to sit and drink a coffee

Marcel Marceau is the first name that comes to mind when someone thinks of mime. He brought the art form to the attention of the world and created schools and foundations dedicated to the education of mime.

Other than being directly called a mime in its name, it may seem that Mr. Mime doesn't have much else in common with Marcel Marceau since he looks more like a circus clown than Marceau's famous Bip The Clown character. However, the only way to get a Mr. Mime in the original games was through a trade, and its name when you received it was Marcel. It seems like the programmers knew what they were doing with this one.

10 Incineroar - Tiger Mask

Incinceroar and a wrestler, the first Tiger Mask

Incineroar is one of the most common Pokemon you'll see in competitive play because of his varied moveset and access to Intimidate. Incineroar is also incredibly popular because of its presence in Super Smash Bros. and its pro wrestling influences. While there are some obvious wrestling references like its stance and its flaming title belt, Incineroar is mostly based on the Tiger Mask character.

Originally from a popular 1960s manga series, Tiger Mask became the real-life persona of numerous Japanese wrestlers from the '80s onwards. Not only was this a great way to introduce new talent, but it inspired numerous other wrestlers like Tiger Queen, a female version, and Black Tiger, Tiger Mask's evil twin.

9 Wobbuffet - Sanpei Hayashiya

Pokemon Anime Wobbuffet

Wobbuffet has become a beloved figure in the Pokemon anime because of its relationship and antics with Team Rocket. Wobbuffet is genuinely funny and that makes sense since it is based on the late Japanese comedian Hayashiya Sanpei I.

Hayashiya was a Rakugo comedian which involved sitting and telling a story. He would often accompany these stories with his signature phrase, "That's the way it is, ma'am!" In fact, Wobbuffet's Japanese name, Sonans, is nearly identical to that phrase's pronunciation in Japanese: Sonansu.

8 Kangaskhan - Genghis Khan

a painting of Genghis Khan in armor, Mega Kangaskhan in Pokemon Go

For a long time, it seemed that Kangaskhan was a kangaroo Pokemon who just happened to have a name that was similar to Genghis Khan. This may seem weird since Mongolia and Australia are incredibly far from one another, but Kangaskhan's design actually lends itself to its Mongolian roots.

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Kangaskhan looks like it is wearing a helmet as well as pads on specific parts of its body. This is based on Mongolian laminar armor, armor with horizontal layers and pads. So while the name seems like a weird translation choice, it is actually intentional.

7 Empoleon - Napoleon Bonaparte

Empoleon with its flippers crossed, famous painting of Napoleon Bonaporte

Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most important figures in world history. He was the emperor of France twice, conquered most of Europe, and was responsible for numerous wars. There is still debate today regarding whether he helped establish modern Europe or paved the way for future tyrranical figures. Either way, his influence cannot be denied.

Empoleon shares a lot in common with Napoleon. Not only is the name Empoleon a combination of emperor and Napoleon, but it also has the same stern look, a trident on its head resembling a crown, and feathers matching Napoleon's coat and vest. But most importantly, they are about the same short height, something the world can't seem to let go about the French emperor.

6 Hitmonlee - Tadashi Sawamura & Many Others

hitmonlee in the air in anime

This entry and the next may seem obvious because they go hand in hand: Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. Let's start with Hitmonlee. Its name is clearly based on Bruce Lee who is a famous martial artist known for his leaping kicks. However, that is actually the least interesting thing about Hitmonlee's origins.

Hitmonlee is actually based on the famous Japanese kickboxer Tadashi Sawamura. Sawamura was known as "The Demon of Kickboxing" because of his unbelievably high knockout percentage of 94.6 percent. On top of this, Hitmonlee's name in Korean is a reference to a famous gang figure Yi Sung-Sun. That's a lot to put on one Fighting type!

5 Hitmonchan - Hiroyuki Ebihara & Many Others

Hitmonchan in the Pokémon anime punching viciously

Hitmonchan's naming is a little more confusing than Hitmonlee. Hitmonchan, a boxing Pokemon, is named after Jackie Chan, a famous martial artist and actor who is not famous for boxing. Fortunately, Hitmonchan's Japanese inspiration makes a lot more sense.

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Hitmonchan is based on Hiroyuki Ebihara, a famous boxer who only lost five matches out of 68. Hitmonchan's name in other countries also references famous boxers like Hong Soo-hwan in Korea and Mike Tyson in France. This begs the question: why wasn't Hitmonchan named after Mike Tyson in English?

4 Mr. Rime - Charlie Chaplin

Mr Rime posing with his cane, Charlie Chaplin as The Tramp

With Sword & Shield, Mr. Mime was revamped and turned into an icy tap dancer. On top of that, it was given an evolution in the form of Mr. Rime: a vaudevillian with a small mustache, bowler cap, black jacket, cane, and a creepy clown face on his stomach. However, this is the first time the world has seen this type of appearance.

One of the most famous comedic actors of all time, Charlie Chaplin's most famous character was The Tramp. He had a small mustache, a bowler cap, a black jacket, and a cane. While he didn't have the terrifying clown face on his stomach, it's clear that Mr. Rime is a tribute to the iconic character.

3 Kadabra - Uri Geller

Psychic Pokemon Kadabra and its Inspiration, Spoon Bender Uri Geller

Kadabra is probably the most infamous Pokemon based on a real person. A Psychic-type Pokemon holding a single spoon, it was obvious that Kadabra was based on Uri Geller: an Israeli-British illusionist who was most well-known for bending spoons with his mind. And Geller did not appreciate the likeness.

Geller sued Nintendo for £60 million for unauthorized use of his identity as well as turning him into an "evil, occult character." This led to the Pokemon Company never making a Kadabra card again. Fortunately, Geller issued an apology in 2020 and gave permission for the cards to be printed again.

2 Obstagoon - Gene Simmons

Obstagoon and KISS frontman Gene Simmons

When Galarian Zigzagoon and Linoone were introduced, every thought that they looked particularly punk rock. But then the world saw Obstagoon, and realized that they weren't punk rock: they were hard rock.

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Obstagoon is very clearly based off of KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons and his iconic Demon persona. Everything from the coloring to the armor to Simmons' signature tongue just screams KISS. And unlike Uri Geller, Simmons was flattered by the tribute. So go ahead Obstagoon! You get to rock n' roll all night.

1 Snorlax - Koji Nishino

Snorlax looking sleepy in front of some tall grass.

One of the most iconic Pokemon of all time is easily Snorlax. Its laziness combined with its immense bulk and strength have made Snorlax one of the most consistently powerful Pokemon of all time. But while it often gets compared to bears, Kirby, and My Neighbor Totoro, Snorlax actually draws inspiration from Game Freak designer Koji Nishino.

Koji Nishino was known in the office for eating a lot around the office, so the designers based the habits and appearance of Snorlax on him. While this could offend some people, it seems that Nishino took it in stride and has worked on every Pokemon game since. He can even be battled in Black 2 and White 2 where every single one of his Pokemon holds leftovers and his ace is, you guessed it, a Snorlax.

NEXT: Pokemon: Each Region's First Gym Leader, Ranked By Difficulty