The mountain lion, scientifically known as Puma concolor, is a single species of large cat with an extraordinary number of common names. This feline possesses the most extensive geographic range of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, stretching from Canada down to the southern Andes in Chile. This vast distribution across varied landscapes and numerous linguistic groups is the primary reason the animal has accrued so many distinct monikers over centuries.
Understanding the “40 Names” Claim
The often-cited figure of “40 names” for the mountain lion is not a precise count but a historical estimate reflecting the animal’s widespread presence. This number gained prominence from the catalogs of early 20th-century naturalists who compiled regional and local names used across the Americas. The species is recognized in the Guinness World Records for having the greatest number of common names of any animal, with over 40 distinct names recorded in the English language alone. The actual total number of names, including indigenous and non-English vernacular terms used across 28 countries, is far higher than 40.
The Three Universal Synonyms
Despite the multitude of local names, three terms are recognized as the most common and universally interchangeable English synonyms for Puma concolor: Cougar, Puma, and Panther. The name Puma has the clearest origin, coming directly from the Quechua language of the Inca Empire in Peru. Spanish explorers adopted the term, and it is now the preferred scientific and common name in much of Central and South America and in global scientific literature.
The term Cougar traces its roots to the Tupi language of Brazil, specifically from the word suçuarana. This indigenous term was later adopted and modified by Portuguese and French explorers, eventually entering English usage. Panther is often used as a general term for any large cat with a solid-colored coat, which applies to the mountain lion’s tawny coloration. In North America, the name Panther is most notably applied to the Florida Panther, an endangered subspecies of the mountain lion.
Regional and Historical Nomenclature
Beyond the three main synonyms, a host of highly localized names contributed to the historical “40 names” count, often reflecting regional geography or behavior. The name Catamount is a shortened form of “cat of the mountain,” a term historically prevalent in the northeastern United States, particularly in the New England area. This name emphasizes the animal’s preference for dense, mountainous terrain.
The term Painter is a dialectical corruption of “panther” that became fixed in the American South and Appalachian regions. Names like Mountain Screamer or Swamp Screamer emerged in areas like Florida and the Southeast, referencing the species’ distinctive, loud mating calls. The Spanish influence in the Southwest led to names such as Mexican Lion or simply Leon, meaning “lion.” Other descriptive names, such as Deer Killer or Red Tiger, arose from observations of the mountain lion’s primary prey and its reddish-brown coat coloration.