What video game character was originally called Jumpman?

The incredibly recognizable hero of countless video games, known for his distinctive red cap, mustache, and jumping prowess, made his very first appearance under a different moniker. In the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong, this character was introduced as "Jumpman." He was originally a carpenter, not a plumber, and his primary goal was to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong. The game, created by legendary designer Shigeru Miyamoto, marked the debut of one of gaming's most enduring figures.

The name "Jumpman" was quite literal, simply reflecting the character's main action in the game: leaping over barrels and obstacles to reach his objective. However, this placeholder name was soon to change. During the localization of Donkey Kong for the American market, Nintendo of America's warehouse landlord, Mario Segale, reportedly demanded overdue rent. In a moment of improvisation, the Nintendo team decided to name their protagonist after him, thus giving birth to the iconic name "Mario."

Following his debut, the character officially became "Mario" in the 1982 arcade sequel, Donkey Kong Jr.. His career also shifted from carpenter to plumber, a change that became fitting for the underground, pipe-filled settings introduced in the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros., which also introduced his brother, Luigi. This evolution set the stage for the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. in 1985, solidifying Mario's status as a global icon and the face of Nintendo.