The holotype specimen is MPM–10001A, a relatively complete and articulated skeleton. The name Talenkauen is derived from the words "Talenk, meaning small, and kauen, meaning skull, both from the Aonikenk language. The specific name santacrucensis refers to the province of Argentina where it was found.
The holotype specimen MPM–10001A is a nearly complete skeleton of the species Talenkauen. Its name originates from the words "Talenk," meaning small, and "kauen," meaning skull, in the Aonikenk language. The specific name santacrucensis refers to its discovery location in Argentina.