What was the character Kirby originally going to be named?

Kirby was originally intended to be named Popopo because of the sound he makes when he inhales enemies and objects in the game. The creators wanted to emphasize his unique ability and his cute and playful nature. However, they eventually decided on the name Kirby, which was inspired by John Kirby, the attorney who successfully defended Nintendo in a copyright infringement lawsuit against Universal Studios. The name change was a tribute to Kirby's help in protecting Nintendo's beloved characters and ultimately became the iconic name we know today.