Official and Unofficial Names for Species 8472 in Star Trek

Species 8472 has captivated audiences since its introduction in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Scorpion." However, the nature of this advanced species has remained a mystery, especially when it comes to their actual names. This article explores the official and unofficial names given to Species 8472 in the Star Trek canon and related media.

The Official Canon

In a few non-canon sources, it was suggested that Species 8472 call themselves the Undine. This information is not part of the main canon, as it is only mentioned in a few sources outside the regular TV shows and movies. The Star Trek: Voyager episode "Scorpion part I" and "Scorpion part II" is where Captain Janeway encounters them, and attempts to reason with the species after the Borg 8472 War. Beyond this, there is no further direct mention or attribution of a species-wide name.

Other Media and References

In the Memory Alpha article about Species 8472, it is mentioned that in the video game Star Trek Online, the Undine refer to themselves as 'the Revealed.' This name is explained in the tie-in novel The Needs of the Many, which states that 'Undine' is a rough translation from the Undine language, meaning 'Groundskeepers.' This implies a cultural or societal function, but it still remains a speculative name since it is from an off-canon source.

It's important to note that games, novels, and other tie-in media are generally not considered part of the official canon. Even the Star Trek Animated Series is questionable in its status as canon. This makes the term 'Undine' a more questionable designation for the species as a whole.

Warfare and Naming

The Borg, being predominantly machine-based and methodical in their approach, likely gave Species 8472 the name "8472" as a form of categorization or classification. This name reflects the Borg's cold, clinical manner of viewing and interacting with species, rather than recognizing a cultural or societal identity. Given that Species 8472 appears to be the only known life form in their universe, it's reasonable to assume they might not have a species-specific name as we understand it.

Alternate Realities and Naming

In the short story omnibus "Miryad Universes," in an alternate reality, Species 8472 is given the name "Groundskeepers." This term hints at a societal structure or function, but again, it is a name from an alternate reality and not part of the main canon.

While "Undine" is listed as their name in the Star Trek Online game and the novel "The Needs of the Many," it remains a speculative name. Star Trek Online is in a unique position in terms of canon, as everything within it must be approved by CBS, making it a closer representation of canon. However, the conflict with Star Trek: Picard, which ignored some of the information in SO, complicates the situation further.

Conclusion

The name of Species 8472 remains a subject of speculation and debate. While "Undine" and "Groundskeepers" are names suggested in various sources, these are not definitive or part of the official canon. The lack of a widespread name for this advanced species reflects their unique status in the Star Trek universe, both in terms of their advanced telepathic communication and their apparent singularity as the only known life form in their universe.