Puerto Rican facts for kids
A Puerto Rican is someone who comes from Puerto Rico or whose family originally came from there. Even though Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and not a state, people from Puerto Rico are American citizens.
People from Puerto Rico are also known by other names like "Boricua," "Borinquen," or "Puertoriqueño." "Boricua" is a very common and well-known slang term.
The Name "Boricua"
The names "Boricua" and "Borinqueños" come from the island's original name, Boriken. This special name means Land of the Brave People.
The Boriken name was created by the Taíno-Arawak people. They were an advanced group of people who lived on the island long ago. Their ancestors date back as far as 4,000 B.C.!
Well-Known Puerto Ricans
Many famous people have Puerto Rican heritage. Here are just a few:
- Marc Anthony, a popular singer
- Giannina Braschi, a talented poet and novelist
- Neil deGrasse Tyson, a famous scientist
- Jennifer Lopez, a well-known singer and actress
- Ricky Martin, a singer and activist
- Renee Marques, a playwright who wrote many plays
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of popular Broadway musicals like Hamilton
- Sonia Sotomayor, a judge on the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the United States
