"MOTHER", the series's Japanese title, was inspired by the John Lennon song of the same name. Series creator Shigesato Itoi chose this name because he could heavily relate to the lyrics, which deal with Lennon's experiences growing up without a father. This theme is addressed in the first two entries in the trilogy, where Ninten and Ness's fathers are unseen, appearing solely as voices on a telephone. Itoi also felt that the title "MOTHER" was especially fitting, as the series was more feminine than other RPGs.