Vegeta’s Naming Dilemma: From Saiyan Pride to ‘Bra’
Naming a child is a significant moment. It carries hopes and dreams. For Dragon Ball’s power couple, Vegeta and Bulma, even naming their daughter became a funny saga. Let’s explore the story behind Bulla’s name and why Vegeta ended up calling her ‘Bra’.
The Saiyan Name That Wasn’t: Vegeta’s Eschalot
Vegeta, proud Saiyan Prince, had a vision for his daughter’s name. He wanted a name reflecting Saiyan heritage. It needed to instill fear and respect. He decided on “Eschalot” (Esharotto). Yes, Eschalot. Does it sound Saiyan-ish? Not really. But it fits Vegeta’s style. It sounds powerful yet means little in Saiyan.
Picture Vegeta, chest puffed out, ready to bestow this mighty name. He rehearsed it, aiming for regal delivery. His thoughts likely included visions of his daughter growing up as Eschalot, the Saiyan Princess, destroyer of worlds. Perhaps she’d handle a tantrum like a Super Saiyan.
Bulma’s Decisive Move: Enter Bulla
Bulma had other plans. She was headstrong and practical. Before Vegeta could unleash “Eschalot,” she declared, “Her name is Bulla.” No discussions, just Bulma making decisions. You almost feel bad for Vegeta.
Vegeta didn’t take this lightly. He protested, as Saiyan Princes do when challenged. He ranted about needing a name worthy of Saiyans. This was his daughter, heir to the Saiyan and Capsule Corp. throne! But arguing with Bulma is like headbutting a wall, entertaining but futile. Eventually, with a dramatic sigh, he relented. “Fine,” he muttered, “Bulla is… acceptable.” He might have grumbled about Earthling softness but knew better than to push Bulma. After all, she built the Gravity Chamber and Capsule Corp.
Why ‘Bra’? The Underwear Enigma
Now, let’s discuss why Vegeta sometimes calls Bulla ‘Bra.’ In the original Japanese version, her name is “Bura” (ブラ, Bura). It sounds like “bra.” This isn’t coincidence; it’s a humorous naming tradition in Bulma’s family. It’s as reliable as Vegeta’s pride or Goku’s appetite.
Consider Bulma’s family tree. Her father? Dr. Brief. Think briefly: Briefs. Underwear. The pattern is clear. Then there’s Trunks, her older brother. Trunks, another type of underwear. It hints at Bulma’s odd obsession with lingerie or Akira Toriyama’s quirky humor—possibly both. Bulma, despite her name not relating to undergarments, sounds like “bloomers,” reinforcing the theme.
When Vegeta calls Bulla ‘Bra,’ he isn’t being insulting. He uses the English equivalent of her pun-filled name. To English speakers, it’s odd but fits the Dragon Ball universe’s quirkiness. This universe has powerful races named after vegetables, after all. Their unlikely romance embodies that charm, defying logic much like their daughter’s name.
The humor in Bulla’s name shows the cultural clash in Dragon Ball. Vegeta desires a regal name like “Eschalot,” while Bulma casually names their daughter after underwear. This reflects their relationship: a mix of Saiyan pride and Earthling practicality, blended with absurdity. That’s what makes Dragon Ball entertaining. It’s not just about power levels; sometimes, it’s just about life’s humor within a universe of aliens.
Perhaps Vegeta finds the underwear naming amusing deep down. Maybe he chuckles when no one sees him. Or maybe he plans to add “Eschalot Jr.” as her middle name. One can only guess. But it’s clear: Bulla, Bra, Eschalot or whatever is significant in Dragon Ball. Fans debate the merits of Saiyan names versus underwear puns often online. They discuss this on Dragon Ball fan pages. The saga of Bulla’s name shows even Saiyan Princes can be outmaneuvered by determined Earthling women, especially during naming moments.
