Madonna Water Bear – Things Named After Famous People

Thing Named After Madonna: Echiniscus madonnae -- a species of Tardigrade, a microscopic water-dwelling organism also known as "water bears" or "moss piglets"

The cycle of "Madonna" monikers has churned on throughout history, with Madonna the entertainer being named after her mother, and a little weird-looking creature receiving its scientific moniker from the pop icon. 

In 2006, scientists named a species of water bear (which is really not a bear at all) after the 'Vogue' hit maker, with the Madonna Times reporting, "The authors' justification for the name of the new species was: We take great pleasure in dedicating this species to one of the most significant artists of our times, Madonna Louise Veronica Ritchie." Well, this was 2006, so the "Ritchie" part is no more, but we're sure Madge was honored... even if water bears are a bit funky looking.

We can totally see why they chose Madonna for this tardigrade species. Like the resilient singer's long-running career and the many adversaries she's taken on, the water bear is pretty much invincible, as it can survive for 120 years without water or food and withstand temperatures ranging from (just above) absolute zero to "well above the boiling point of water."