Google Trends · 2004–2026
We tracked 27 Starter Pokémon across 23 years of Google search data (2004–2026). Charmander leads with an average normalized search score of 8.7, followed by Squirtle (7.1) and Bulbasaur (6.3). Charmander has held the top spot in 192 of 271 months on record. Interest peaked in July 2016, 4.9× the category’s typical level, around Pokémon GO launch.
All 27 Pokémon · Ranked by average search score (2004–2026) · Tap any Pokémon for its history
What the data shows
Starter search interest hit 4.9× its typical level, coinciding with Pokémon GO launch.
Charmander has led all Starter Pokémon in 71% of months on record, ahead of 9 other Pokémon that have reached #1.
Longest 5 of 8 distinct spells at #1.
Averaged 1.94 over the last 24 months, up from 1.05 in the 24 months before.
After removing the long-term trend, Starter Pokémon run 9% above average in December and 10% below in January.
Charmander alone scores 7.3× the median Starter Pokémon (1.19).
Figures are computed from monthly Google Trends data, 2004–2026, normalized against a fixed anchor topic. Movement and regional figures are only shown where enough Pokémon in this category carry a reliable signal — see the methodology.
Data through · How this is measured