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Through out the series the Magical Girls call it _Kyubey_ however they respond
just as well to Homura when she calls them _Incubator_ and don't go to correct
her.

I am wondering which is their real name, Kyubey or Incubator?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-01-26T23:10:13.457
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2015-01-28T16:41:51.257
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question
madoka-magica
What is the true name for Kyubey?


The name _Kyubey_ is a short-hand for In _cub_ ator (pronounced [in- **ky _uh_
-bey**-ter][(source)](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/incubator), which
shows similar phonetic pronunciations). This follows a pattern similar to
other nicknames or names that are shortened, such as:

  * "Ed", from "Edward" (e.g. [Edward "Ed" Elric](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fullmetal_Alchemist_characters#Edward) from FMA) and
  * "Al", from "Alphonse" (like [Alphonse "Al" Elric](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fullmetal_Alchemist_characters#Alphonse), also from FMA).

That said, **_Kyubey_ is the name of the creatures**, whereas **_Incubator_ is
its race/species**.

From the [Madoka Magica wiki](http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Kyubey#Personality):

> Kyubey is an Incubator/Messenger of Magic. Because of this, he, like his
> race, cannot exhibit emotions of any kind.

In [episode 8](http://www.crunchyroll.com/puella-magi-madoka-
magica/episode-8-i-was-stupid-so-stupid-591749), around 20:10, Homura says

> I won't let things go according to your plans, Kyubey.
>
> Or should I say... "Incubator"?

Which would be equivalent, in context, to me saying

> I won't let things go according to your plans, Memor-X.
>
> Or should I say... "Human"?


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2015-01-28T16:41:51.257
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2015-01-28T16:41:51.257
2020-06-17T09:17:53.303
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