Whether you have a Puerto Rican pup, you’d like to celebrate your own heritage or you want to remember a dream vacation, you’ll find plenty of options for great Puerto Rican dog names. From the picturesque landscapes of Old San Juan to the rhythmic beats of salsa music, Puerto Rican culture is brimming with inspiration that makes for perfect names for your new best friend. Let’s look at traditional and contemporary names from Puerto Rico, drawing from landmarks, folklore, food and more.
Names Drawn from Puerto Rican Words
Bebé – Baby
Bomba – A traditional music and dance style that originated in Puerto Rico during the 17th century.
Bombón – Sweetie or candy
Boricua – Name for person from Puerto Rico or someone of Puerto Rican descent.
Cariño – Darling or dear
Chévere – Fantastic, cool, or awesome. Used to express excitement or approval.
Chiquito/Chiquita – Little one
Chavos – Money or cash. Similar to saying “bucks” or “dough” in English.
Chorro – A lot or a large quantity. Often used to exaggerate or emphasize something.
Coquí – A small tree frog native to Puerto Rico, known for its distinct “co-quí” sound
Corazón – Heart
Duro – Skilled or talented. It can also mean “tough” or “strong.”
Guagua – In some regions of Puerto Rico, “guagua” can be used to refer to a dog or a puppy. However, it’s more commonly used to mean “bus” in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Jeva/Jevi – A girl or a guy, respectively. It’s a casual way to refer to someone of the opposite gender.
Plena – A traditional music genre and dance originating from Puerto Rico.
Sato – A mixed-breed dog, often a stray or street dog. (And if you’d like to adopt your own sato, be sure to check out The Sato Project.)
Wepa – An exclamation (like wow!) of excitement, joy, or approval.
Top Girls’ Names in Puerto Rico
With the growing trend of naming dogs with human names, let’s have a look at the most popular girls’ names in Puerto Rico. The Social Security Administration reports these baby names as the most popular names given to babies born in Puerto Rico.
- Abigail – Father’s Joy
- Adriana – Dark, Rich
- Alana – Little Rock
- Alanis – Precious
- Alanna – Little Rock
- Alanys – Cheerful
- Alejandra – Defender of Mankind
- Alexa – Defender of Mankind
- Aleysha – Noble, Exalted
- Alianys – Heeler
- Alondra – Lark
- Amaia – End, Night Rain
- Amanda – Lovable
- Amaya – Night Rain
- Amy – Beloved
- Ana – Grace, Favor
- Andrea – Brave, Strong
- Angela – Angelic
- Angelica – Angelic
- Angelique – Angelic
- Angelis – Angelic
- Angely – Angelic
- Angelys – Angelic
- Anna – Grace, Favor
- Ariana – Very Holy
- Arianna – Very Holy
- Arianys – Wisdom
- Bianca – White
- Briana – Strong, Virtuous
- Brianna – Strong, Virtuous
- Camila – Attendant, Servant
- Carolina – Free Man
- Claudia – Related to power and protection
- Cristina – Follower of Christ
- Daniela – God is My Judge
- Daniella – God is My Judge
- Darielys – Lion of God
- Destiny – Fate, Fortune
- Elena – Bright, Shining Light
- Elianys – Innovative
- Elizabeth – God is My Oath
- Emily – Industrious, Striving
- Emma – Whole, Universal
- Fabiola – Bean Grower
- Gabriela – God is My Strength
- Gabriella – God is My Strength
- Genesis – Origin, Birth
- Gianna – God is Gracious
- Grace – Grace, Favor
- Isabel – God is My Oath
- Isabella – God is My Oath
- Jade – Precious Stone
- Janielys – Light, Gift of God
- Joelys – Pretty
- Julianys – Beautiful, outgoing
- Kamila – Perfect
- Kamilah – Perfect
- Kamyla – Perfect
- Karelys – Strong
- Karielys – Strong
- Karina – Pure
- Karla – Free Woman
- Kiara – Bright, Clear
- Kimberly – From the royal forest
- Krystal – Crystal
- Lara – Famous, Cheerful
- Laura – Laurel Tree
- Layla – Night, Dark Beauty
- Leah – Delicate
- Lia – Delicate
- Lorena – Crowned with Laurel
- Luciana – Light, Illumination
- Luna – Moon
- Maria – Wished-for Child
- Mariana – Wished-for Child
- Melanie – Black, Dark
- Mia – Mine
- Mikaela – Who is Like God?
- Mya – Mine
- Natalie – Christmas Day
- Nathalia – Birthday of Christ
- Nayeli – I Love You
- Nayelis – I Love You
- Rihanna – Sweet Basil
- Sarah – Princess
- Sofia – Wisdom
- Sophia – Wisdom
- Stella – Star
- Stephanie – Crowned in Victory
- Yarelis – Brave, strong
- Yarielis – Brave, strong
- Zoe – Life
Top Boys’ Names in Puerto Rico
Here’s a look at the most popular boys’ names according to Puerto Rico’s birth records. Does one of these names seem like a good fit for your new puppy?
- Abdiel – Servant of God
- Adrian – Dark One
- Alan – Handsome
- Alejandro – Defender of Mankind
- Alexander – Protector of Men
- Alexis – Defender, Helper
- Alfredo – Wise Counselor
- Allan – Harmony
- Alonso – Noble and Ready
- Andres – Brave, Warrior
- Angel – Messenger, Angelic
- Anthony – Priceless One
- Axel – Father of Peace
- Bryan – Noble, Strong
- Caleb – Faithful, Devoted
- Carlos – Free Man
- Christopher – Christ-Bearer
- Daniel – God is My Judge
- David – Beloved
- Derek – Ruler of the People
- Diego – Supplanter
- Dylan – Great Sea
- Edgar – Wealthy Spearman
- Eduardo – Wealthy Guardian
- Edwin – Prosperous Friend
- Emmanuel – God is with Us
- Erick – Ever Ruler
- Esteban – Crowned One
- Ezequiel – God Strengthens
- Fabian – Bean Grower
- Fernando – Brave Traveler
- Francisco – Free One
- Gabriel – God is My Strength
- Gian – God is Gracious
- Gustavo – Staff of the Goths
- Hector – Holding Fast
- Ian – Gift of God
- Isaac – Laughter
- Ivan – God is Gracious
- Jacob – Supplanter
- Jadiel – God is my Judge
- Jan – God is Gracious
- Janiel – God is Gracious
- Javier – Bright
- Jaycob – Supplanter
- Jayden – Thankful
- Jeremy – God will Uplift
- Jesus – God is Salvation
- Joel – God is Willing
- Jonathan – Gift of God
- Joniel – God is Gracious
- Jorge – Farmer
- Jose – God will Increase
- Joseph – God will Add
- Joshua – God is Salvation
- Josue – God is Salvation
- Juan – God is Gracious
- Julian – Youthful
- Justin – Just, Righteous
- Kaleb – Faithful, Devoted
- Kelvin – From the River Clyde
- Kenneth – Handsome
- Kevin – Handsome
- Leonardo – Brave Lion
- Lucas – Light-Giving
- Luis – Famous Warrior
- Manuel – God is with Us
- Marcos – Warlike
- Matthew – Gift of God
- Michael – Who is Like God?
- Miguel – Who is Like God?
- Omar – Flourishing, Long-lived
- Pedro – Rock
- Rafael – God has Healed
- Ricardo – Powerful Ruler
- Roberto – Bright Fame
- Ryan – Little King
- Samuel – Heard by God
- Sergio – Attendant
- Steven – Crowned One
- Victor – Conqueror
- William – Resolute Protector
- Xavier – New House
- Yadiel – God is Knowledgeable
- Yahir – He Enlightens
- Yair – He will Enlighten
- Yandel – God is Gracious
- Yandiel – God is Gracious
- Yaniel – God Answers
- Yariel – God will Uplift
- Yarik – He will Uplift
- Yaromil – Beloved Yaromil
- Yassel – God is Gracious
- Yassiel – God is Gracious
- Yasziel – God will Provide
- Yedriel – God is Gracious
- Yeray – God will Uplift
- Yeriel – God is my Light
- Yerik – Ruler of the House
- Yerit – God will Uplift
- Yerom – Uplifted by God
- Yeshua – God is Salvation
- Yexian – God is Gracious
- Yeyson – Son of John
- Yidel – Praise
- Yomar – Yomar
- Yonathan – Gift of God
- Yorvin – Yorvin
- Yosgart – Yosgart
- Yulian – Youthful
- Yurem – God will Uplift
- Yusiel – God will Provide
- Yuziel – God is Gracious
- Zacarías – Remembered by God
- Zachary – Remembered by God
Dog names inspired by Puerto Rican foods
- Anón (Sugar Apple) – A tropical fruit with a custard-like texture and a sweet taste.
- Arroz con Dulce – A traditional coconut rice pudding, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Arroz con Gandules – Rice with pigeon peas, often seasoned with sofrito and pork.
- Asopao – A hearty rice soup, often made with chicken, seafood, or pork.
- Carambola (Starfruit) – A fruit with a star-like shape and a sweet-tart flavor.
- Coco (Coconut) – One of our favorite names that we used for our coconut-colored cat!
- Coco Loco – A tropical cocktail made with coconut water, coconut cream, and various rums.
- Coquito – A creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage, often enjoyed during the holiday season.
- Cuchifritos – Fried pig parts, similar to chicharrón, often served as a snack.
- Empanadillas – Small turnovers filled with various ingredients like beef, chicken, or cheese.
- Flan – A caramel custard dessert, often served with a sweet caramel sauce.
- Jibarito – A sandwich made with fried green plantains as the bread, stuffed with various fillings like steak or chicken.
- Lechón – Roast pig, a popular dish served at celebrations and special occasions.
- Medalla – A popular local beer brewed in Puerto Rico, available in different varieties.
- Mofongo – Mashed green plantains mixed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings, often served with a protein or stew.
- Nispero (Loquat) – A small, sweet fruit with a delicate flavor.
- Pasteles – Similar to tamales, these are made with a masa dough filled with a savory meat mixture, wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled.
- Piña (Pineapple)
- Piña Colada – The tropical drink invented in Puerto Rico.
- Sancocho – A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and starchy vegetables like yams and plantains.
- Tamarindo (Tamarind) – A tangy fruit often used in beverages, candies, and sauces.
- Tembleque – A coconut dessert made with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, served chilled.
- Tostones – Twice-fried green plantains, served as a side dish or snack.
Names inspired by famous Puerto Rican landmarks and cities
The island itself inspires many vibrant names that might be the perfect fit for your new puppy.
- Arecibo – “Beautiful View”
- Bayamon – “River of the Sea”
- Caguas – “Valley of Turquoise Waters”
- Condado – “County, District”
- Dorado – “Golden”
- El Yunque – “The Anvil” (Referring to the rainforest’s shape)
- Encanto – Isla de Encanto or “Island of Enchantment” is a term often used to describe Puerto Rico–or maybe your enchanting new dog!
- Fajardo – “Splendid”
- Guayama – “Place of Waters”
- Humacao – “Large Mouth”
- Isabela – “Consecrated to God”
- Isla – “Island” (and the name of our dog!)
- Jayuya – “Place of Abundant Waters”
- Luquillo – Sierra de Luquillo mountains
- Mayaguez – “River of Flags”
- (El) Morro – “promontory” or a “headland.” In Puerto Rico, “morro” is a commonly used slang term that means “castle” or “fortress.”
- Naguabo – “Between Waters”
- Orocovis – “Golden Valley”
- Ponce – “Big/Large”
- Quebradillas – “Broken Cliffs”
- Rincon – “Corner”
- San Juan – “Saint John”
- Utuado – “Between Mountains”
- Vieques – “Small Island”
- Yabucoa – “Meeting of the Waters”
- Zona (Colonial) – “Colonial Zone”
Names inspired by the island’s wildlife
- Anolis – A playful and colorful name inspired by the diverse species of Anolis lizards found in Puerto Rico.
- Cacique – A majestic name derived from the Cacique, a tropical bird species found in the lush forests of Puerto Rico.
- Coquí – Named after the Boquilla coquí frog, known for its distinctive and melodic “ko-kee” call. A small frog with a big voice, this would be a fun name for a loud small dog!
- Delfín – Meaning “dolphin” in Spanish, representing the intelligent and friendly marine mammals that inhabit Puerto Rican waters.
- Erizo – Inspired by the sea urchins that thrive in the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island.
- Flamenco – A graceful name reflecting the elegance of the Caribbean flamingos that occasionally visit Puerto Rico’s wetlands.
- Iguana – A bold and strong name, paying homage to the green iguanas commonly found in Puerto Rico’s tropical landscapes.
- Jagua – Named after the jaguarundi, a small wildcat native to Puerto Rico’s forests.
- Kaká – Inspired by the Kakawate tree, also known as the Madre Cacao, which is an important part of the island’s ecosystem.
- Loro – Meaning “parrot” in Spanish, representing the vibrant and endangered Puerto Rican parrot, a symbol of pride and conservation efforts.
- Mariposa – A delicate and charming name, reflecting the beauty of the butterflies that grace Puerto Rico’s gardens.
- Ñeque – Inspired by the “ñeque,” a small freshwater fish native to Puerto Rico’s rivers and streams.
- Orca – Representing the majestic orcas or killer whales occasionally spotted in the surrounding ocean waters.
- Piragüero – Derived from the term “piragua,” which refers to a traditional Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert sold by street vendors.
- Querequequé – A playful name inspired by the Querequequé bird, also known as the Greater Antillean Grackle, known for its spirited calls.
- Rana – Meaning “frog” in Spanish, a name that honors the various frog species, including the beloved coquí, that inhabit the island.
- Serpiente – A name representing the diverse snake species found in Puerto Rico, including the non-venomous Puerto Rican boa.
- Tinglar – Named after the tinglar sea turtle, a species that nests on Puerto Rico’s beaches, symbolizing resilience and protection efforts.
Names rooted in Puerto Rican mythology
The Taíno were the indigenous people who inhabited the island of Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the subsequent European colonization. Their impact is still felt in the culture and heritage of the island.
- Aymaco – Derived from the Taino deity believed to protect the island’s farmers and crops.
- Boinayel – Inspired by the Taino spirit associated with rain and fertility.
- Cacimar – A name representing the Taino guardian spirits of certain places, such as mountains and rivers.
- Dama Juana – Inspired by the legendary female figure who wanders the streets at night, crying for her lost love.
- El Cuco – Named after the mythical boogeyman used to scare misbehaving children.
- Fantasmon – Derived from the Puerto Rican ghostly figure often depicted as a tall, thin man.
- Guabancex – Inspired by the Taino goddess of storms and chaos.
- Higuemota – Named after the Taino spirit believed to reside in the ceiba tree, a symbol of life.
- Jumacao – Derived from the Taino cacique (chief) known for his resistance against Spanish colonization.
- Loiza – Named after the town known for its vibrant Afro-Puerto Rican traditions and festivals.
- Madremonte – Inspired by the folklore figure representing the spirit of nature and protector of the forest.
- Piedras – Derived from the “Piedras Movedizas,” or moving stones, a popular Puerto Rican legend.
- Quebrada – Inspired by the Taino spirit believed to inhabit deep ravines and gorges.
- Roble – Named after the “Roble de la Sabiduría,” the Wisdom Oak, a mythical tree of knowledge.
- Sanse – Short for “Santurce,” an area of San Juan known for its vibrant culture and festivals.
- Triton – Inspired by the Greek god Triton, who is associated with the sea and marine life.
- Yuisa – Derived from the Taino chief’s daughter who played a significant role in early Puerto Rican history.
- Zamá – Inspired by the Taino deity associated with the morning star and the east.
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Paris Permenter is the award-winning co-author, with John Bigley, of over 30 pet and travel books including The Healthy Hound Cookbook and Texas with Dogs, both available through Simon and Schuster. Paris is also a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
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