It is written in the holy scriptures that when Arceus gave names to all the pokemon, he gave them names related to their form. For instance, Magmar's name comes from magma, and Bulbasaur is a saurian pokemon with a bulb on its back. In the case of Golduck, it has been argued that even Arceus makes mistakes; although Psyduck are golden in color, Golduck are quite distinctly blue.
Golduck are not gold, but they are athletic. Their large spiked head, quick running speed, long legs and tail make them the perfect scorers in Goal Roll and related games such as soccer. Furthermore, like Bagon, they are an exceptionally determined pokemon which will always pursue their goals.
It is for these reasons that theologians are of the opinion that it was not Arceus, but man who was mistaken, and that the pokemon's name is properly spelled as Goalduck. More skeptical minds consider this a weak apologia for an obvious mistake.
