The Asterix books are filled with punning names, which are, I recognize, the work of the ones who translated the books into English.
The Romans have names like
Nefarious Purpus
Varius Flavus
Dubious Status
Gracchus Armisurplus
The Gauls have names that generally end in “-x”, like Asterix and Obelix, the heroes of the series.
Geriatrix – the old man
Fulliautomatix – the blacksmith
Cacophonix – the bard
They translated the DRuid’s name as Getafix, which I don’t like – it makes him sound like a drug pusher. I prefere his name from the original Franch, Panoramix
The little dog that adopts Obelix is IdeeFix in French, but I can forgive them from translating it as Dogmatix for the English language editions.
What you obviously mean to say is, “I recognize that the punning work of the ones who translated the books into English is, at its best, a pale imitation of the work of the inimitable genius René Goscinny.”
In English, his name is “Unhygenix.” His wife’s name is “Bacteria.”
The Egyptian who joined the Roman army in Asterix the Legionary was “Courdeténis” in French and “Ptennisnet” in English. The scribe with a shaved head was “Krukhut.” (“Crew Cut,” geddit?)
Bell and Hockridge did a splendid job in coming up with English puns. I sometimes find them funnier than those of Goscinny and translators of other languages.
Neither do I, but I’d like to know why the bard is called “Assurancetourix,” which I’m told translates as “Comprehensive automobile insurance.” Seems to me “Cacofonix” is a much better name for him.
On the other hand, I think “Majestix” is a better name for the chieftain than “Vitalstatistix,” which I’ve read refers to his impressive girth.
Note: Krukut was in Asterix and Cleopatra, not Asterix the Legionary. He was a slave of the Egyptian architects Artifice and Edifice.
Perhaps, because “assurance” can refer to an insurance policy, but also mean self-confidence? He is quite confident in his musical abilities, come what may.