325 Puerto Rican Dog Names for Your Sato!

news7g07/26/2023

2 10 minutes read

325 Puerto Rican Dog Names for Your Sato!

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
Aleysha – Noble, Exalted
Alejandra – Defender of Mankind
Alexa – Defender of Mankind
Alana – Little Rock
Alanna – Little Rock
Alondra – Lark
Alanis – Precious
Alanys – Cheerful
Alianys – Heeler
Amaia – End, Night Rain
Amaya – Night Rain
Amanda – Lovable
Amy – Beloved
Ana – Grace, Favor
Angelica – Angelic
Angelis – Angelic
Angely – Angelic
Angelys – Angelic
Anna – Grace, Favor
Andrea – Brave, Strong
Angelique – Angelic
Ariana – Very Holy
Arianys – Wisdom
Arianna – Very Holy
Angela – Angelic
Bianca – White
Briana – Strong, Virtuous
Brianna – Strong, Virtuous
Carolina – Free Man
Camila – Attendant, Servant
Claudia – Related to power and protection
Cristina – Follower of Christ
Darielys – Lion of God
Daniela – God is My Judge
Daniella – God is My Judge
Destiny – Fate, Fortune
Elizabeth – God is My Oath
Elena – Bright, Shining Light
Elianys – Innovative
Emma – Whole, Universal
Emily – Industrious, Striving
Fabiola – Bean Grower
Gabriela – God is My Strength
Gabriella – God is My Strength
Genesis – Origin, Birth
Gianna – God is Gracious
Grace – Grace, Favor
Isabella – God is My Oath
Isabel – God is My Oath
Jade – Precious Stone
Janielys – Light, Gift of God
Joelys – Pretty
Julianys – Beautiful, outgoing
Kamila – Perfect
Kamyla – Perfect
Kamilah – Perfect
Karina – Pure
Karla – Free Woman
Karelys – Strong
Karielys – Strong
Kimberly – From the royal forest
Kiara – Bright, Clear
Krystal – Crystal
Lara – Famous, Cheerful
Layla – Night, Dark Beauty
Leah – Delicate
Lia – Delicate
Laura – Laurel Tree
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

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
Josue – God is Salvation
Joshua – God is Salvation
Juan – God is Gracious
Julian – Youthful
Justin – Just, Righteous
Kaleb – Faithful, Devoted
Kenneth – Handsome
Kelvin – From the River Clyde
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.