The name Poneloya means “small seeds” in the indigenous language. The area was originally populated by indigenous groups that according to genetic testing originated from the central plains from the Sioux Tribes. The town is a vacation home area for wealthy Nicaraguans; the locals are either mostly fishermen, caretakers or those who commute to Leon for work. Poneloya is a suburb of Leon. There are many famous Nicas and politicians living there so there is a rather large police detachment of eight officers. The area has a low crime rate and for the most part is quite peaceful.