Panda Names

[Bert]

Why are Pandas in zoos almost all have names like Ying-Ying or Xiang-Xiang - ie a repeated word? When we are sometimes told the meaning of the name it is something like 'Heavenly Peace' - why does it not mean 'Heavenly Peace-Heavenly Peace'. A few Pandas do not have repeated names, Why not?

[voan2]

you know pandas are from China originally. both Ying and Xiang are Chinese names,and yes, they generally mean "heavenly peace" .Many Chinese characters are homonyms, just like "there", "their", and "they're" in English. as a result, either "ying" or "xiang" can be different Chinese characters and has many different meanings. "ying" means "eagle" in chinese also.hehe 'Heavenly Peace-Heavenly Peace" is verbose.one is ok. but why a repeated word? in Chinese that's hypocoristic - like we call Bob "Bobbie" in English. why no repeated names? no particular reason. it's up to the Chinese to name a panda but often they would like to name pandas by repeated names because pandas are loved by children most. it's much more easier to understand if you learn sth about chinese.