Etymology and mythology The name `` porcupine '' comes from MISC@1 porc d'épine which could be translated as `` thorny '' , `` spined '' , or `` quilled '' `` pork '' or `` pig '' , hence the nickname `` quill pig '' for the animal .

The name `` porcupine '' comes from Middle French porc d'épine `` thorny pork '' , hence the nickname `` quill pig '' for the animal .
