Coypu this invasive species's endurance controversial to human occupants throughout most of its range. The genus name "Myocastor" derives from the two Ancient Greek words (), meaning "rat, mouse", and (), meaning "beaver". Literally, therefore, the name "Myocastor" means "beaver rat". Two names are commonly used in English for "Myocastor coypus". The name "nutria" (from Spanish "nutria") is generally used in North America, Asia, and throughout countries of the former Soviet Union; however, in most Spanish-speaking countries, the word "nutria" refers primarily to the otter. To avoid this ambiguity, the name "coypu" or "coipo" (derived from the Mapudungun language) is used
Given name names are special given names bestowed upon someone receiving a crown or entering a religious order. Such a person then typically becomes known chiefly by that name. The order "given name – family name", commonly known as the "Western order", is used throughout most European countries and in countries that have cultures predominantly influenced by European culture, including North and South America; North, East, Central and West India; Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The order "family name – given name", commonly known as the "Eastern order", is primarily used in East Asia (for example in China, Japan, Korea, Malaysian