Did Michelle Obama Name Bei Bei the Panda After Beyoncé? We Examine the Evidence

Both are national treasures after all

By Dominique Haikel Sep 25, 2015 7:48 PMTags
Bei Bei Panda, BeyonceErika Bauer/Smithsonian's National Zoo via AP, beyonce.com

Hey, Bei Bei!

Michelle Obama and Peng Liyuan, the first lady of China, have named the National Zoo's new baby panda Bei Bei.

We can't help but wonder if this was the FLOTUS' subtle nod to her BFF Beyoncé. Coincidence? Probably. But let us shed some light on the astounding similarities.

For starters, the adorable Panda's name is pronounced "bey-bey," as in Queen Bey. We know, right? There's more.

Some are also pronouncing it like the age-old saying, "BAE," meaning Before Anyone Else. Besides her hubby, Mr. President, Beyoncé is totally Michelle's BAE. Are you losing your mind yet? The evidence rages on. 

The name Bei Bei means "precious treasure," which, of course, is most likely the secret meaning behind Beyoncé's name as well. If not, those are the two words (bedsides Slay Kween) we use to describe the former Destiny's Child diva.

The name was chosen to bring good luck, just as Queen Bey was brought down from the heavens to do the same. Don't try and tell us these are mere similarities. We've got a feeling these first ladies knew what they were doing. If Bei Bei, God forbid, outlives our queen and savior, her legacy will remain intact for many furry years to follow. 

Do you think Bei Bei was named after Queen Bey? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

Watch the top 9 times we've wished we were Beyoncé below