Why did Milne name the bear in his books Winnie the Pooh?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, had a stuffed teddy bear named Winnie, after an American black bear that he often visited at London Zoo, and "Pooh," a swan the family had met while vacationing. All the characters, except Owl and Rabbit, are based on his stuffed toys, all of which are on display at the NYC Public Library.

Answer by  WiseTeacher (258)

Winnie the Pooh was named after Milne's son's teddy bear. Christopher, his son, called his teddy after Winnie, a black bear in the London zoo, and Pooh, a swan.

Answer by  pjsfb (221)

Winnie the Pooh was named after a real bear found near Winnipeg by Milne when he was stationed in Canada while on a train.