Common names:
* Puma (most widely used in South America)
* Mountain lion (common in North America)
* Panther (used in some areas, but can also refer to other big cats)
* Catamount (an archaic term, mainly used in the Appalachian Mountains)
* Painter (mainly used in the Southwestern United States)
* Red cat (used in some areas, often referring to young cougars)
* Ghost cat (a nickname reflecting their elusive nature)
Scientific names:
* Puma concolor (the scientific name)
Other names:
* Lion of the Andes (a name reflecting their presence in the Andes Mountains)
* American lion (a historical name used to distinguish them from African lions)
It's important to note that some of these names may also be used for other animals, such as the Florida panther, which is actually a subspecies of cougar.