<P> In North America, Kirby consistently appears in artwork with a more striking, bolder expression than in Japan, where his expression is more relaxed . Nintendo has said that the more battle - ready appearance appeals to a wider audience in North America . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (July 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (July 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Kirby is a small, pink and red, spherical creature with large red feet and stubby arms . His eyes are a distinctive oval shape and are white (eye shine) at the top, black in the center and dark blue on the bottom (all black in early games) with rosy cheek - blushes near his eyes . His body is soft and flexible, allowing him to stretch or flatten and adopt different shapes, open his mouth really wide to inhale foes, or inflate himself with air and fly . According to the Super Smash Bros. manual he is 8 inches (or 20.32 centimeters) tall . Kirby's appearance has changed subtly over the years, becoming more rounded and defined, mainly in his face and larger blue eyes . The new design has been used in all subsequent games . </P>

Where does the last name kirby come from