Nicarao

From the latter (a body of water 92 miles long and, at its widest, 40 miles wide) the country takes its name, derived from Nicarao, the name of the aboriginal chief who held sway in the regions round about Lake

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 11: New Mexico-Philip 1840-1916 1913

Gil Gonzalez started from Panama northward on the Pacific side, with a few frail barks, and in March discovered Lake Nicaragua, which has its name from the cacique, Nicaragua, or Nicarao, whose town stood upon its shores.

The Interest of America in Sea Power, Present and Future 1877