Have you ever wondered why The Beatles spell their name with an “A” instead of an “E”? You’re not alone—this TikToker was just as surprised, and it turns out, many Americans were in the dark too. When debating the greatest band of all time, opinions vary. Some might argue for Queen, Oasis, or The Rolling Stones. Currently, I’m into Royel Otis, who, while not on the same legendary level, are definitely worth a listen. Regardless of personal preference, The Beatles are undeniable icons, consistently ranking at the top.
The Beatles, originating from Liverpool, England, were formed back in 1960, and their impact on music is still felt today. Even after six decades, their songs remain beloved by fans across the globe. The band first made their mark in the US in 1964, when John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr captured the hearts of Americans.
Sadly, today only McCartney and Starr are still with us, both continuing to perform. McCartney has even headlined major events like the Super Bowl and Coachella. Lennon’s life tragically ended in 1980 when he was assassinated in New York City by Mark Chapman, who shockingly claimed he did it because Lennon was “very, very, very famous.” Harrison passed away from cancer in 2001 at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.
Fast forward to today, and TikToker Emilie Leyes has sparked a revelation about the band’s name. She shared her discovery that “The Beatles” is actually a clever play on words, emphasizing “beat,” something that had eluded her despite being a long-time fan. “I just learned that the reason the Beatles are spelled with an ‘A’ is because it’s a music pun, like the word beat,” Emilie explained in her video. “Why didn’t we all know this? I had 15 posters of The Beatles in my bedroom in high school, and I never knew this.”
Despite her surprise, many from the UK chimed in, suggesting that this fact is more commonly known across the pond. Comments ranged from one person saying, “Maybe it’s an American thing because I’m pretty sure all English people know this,” to another confirming, “All British people know this.”
John Lennon himself once provided insight into the name’s origin in a 1961 biography of the band. He recounted, “Why Beatles? Ugh, Beatles, how did the name arrive? So we will tell you. It came in a vision—a man appeared on a flaming pie and said unto them, ‘From this day on you are Beatles with an ‘A’. Thank you, mister man, they said, thanking him.'”
Whether you were today years old when you learned this or it’s old news, the story behind The Beatles’ name is just another layer to their enduring legacy.