You know some names stick with you, no matter how old? They’re not just cool or big—they feel known, like old mates. Be it from their tale, feel, or mark on us, some made-up names have got a set spot in the pop world. So here are 10 of the top ones that have stood the test of time.
10. Sonic the Hedgehog
Let’s kick off with the blue blur, Sonic. He first zipped to us in 1991, and he’s still fast. Fast, sharp, and has red shoes, Sonic was Sega’s toss back on Mario, but with his flair. He had that ’90s vibe—cool, sure, may be a bit full of himself. But that’s what made him pop. Kids and grown-ups spot him fast now.
9. Pikachu
Man, who thought a small, yellow mouse with red cheeks would be a star? But here we are. Pikachu first showed up in 1996, and now, it’s more than just a Pokémon—it’s the face of the whole set. Folks who’ve not played the games know Pikachu. Cute, true, and quite strong, Pikachu is known to all.
8. Goku
If you saw anime in the ’90s or early 2000s, Goku was your man. He’s been here since 1984 in Dragon Ball, and has grown to be a top anime name in the world. Goku’s way is to push to be top, strong, and not to give up. He’s a bit goofy, yes, but he stirs you. He just keeps at it, no matter the fight.
7. Spock
Spock isn’t loud or bright, but he sticks. First in 1964 on Star Trek, he’s half man, half Vulcan, so he’s torn ‘tween thought and heart. That fight made him grip us. He did not aim to link, but he did. The calm voice, the eyebrow, the Vulcan wave—Spock turned a sci-fi star just by being still. Calm power goes far.
6. Darth Vader
There’s just something ’bout DarthVader that sticks. Maybe the voice, maybe the bread, or maymay be the vibe he brings when he steps in. Since Star Wars in 1977, Vader has been a top bad guy. But what grips us is that he’s not just bad—he has a sad tale. That shift from hero to bad and back? Still hits.
5. Batman
Since 1939, Batman’s been here, and he’s changed lots—but that base tale? Still hits hard. A kid saw his folks die and set out to fight bad without big powers but with wits, guts, and a hard, dark tale, how deep he is, pulls folks back. Haunted but on point. Flawed but strong. You don’t need to be all good to be a hero—that’s the hint.
4. Harry Potter
Love him or not, Harry Potter left a big mark. From a sad kid in 1997 to a name known all across the globe. His path—full of charm, pals, loss, and guts—touched a whole age group. Harry felt real not ’cause he was “The Picked One,” but ’cause he felt fear, doubt, and got through growing up, just like us.
3. Mario
Jumping since 1981, Mario might not talk much, but he’s known. His look, his voice, his tunes, and how he moves are all known. Mario was their first game. Jolly, bold, and set on his quest. Now, four decades on, he’s still the king of play. Hard to think of a world without him.
2. Mickey Mouse
It all began with this guy. Mickey Mouse showed up in 1928, and fast turned the face of cartoonWhat’s mad is how plain he is—three rings, red shorts, and lots of charm. But he’s stayed known for nearly a whole age. Mickey’s not just a name; he’s a mark of dreams and young years for lots. That kind of staying power is rare.
1. Superman
At one, it’s Superman—and who else could it be? Out in 1938, he’s the first big hero, the one who set it off. Sure, he’s got all the powers—fly, strength, lasers—but what makes him a star is his heart. He could see the world but chose to guard it. Superman is the high sign of hope, and now, he shows the best of us if we always do the right thing, even when it’s hard.
Some of these names are old are more from now. But they all got it right: they linked with us. They’ve shaped tales, lit up fans, and stayed on past the last show or last page. They’re not just namesthey’re part of our chat.