The word porcupine comes from the Middle French word, porc d'épine. Which means 'spined pig'. Don't think any one person named it (or is credited with naming it) it's just one of those things that...
A porcupine is a mammal with sharp needles for defense. It is a herbivore and lives in the smuggy parts of North America. All porcupines also have the ability to float in water.