Real name to ancient age: The bizarre Duolingo Owl lore we’ve learned since his untimely death

Duo, the Duolingo Owl mascot, was pronounced dead on Tuesday as people shared reactionary memes and their favourite moments from the language learning mascot’s long life.

The brand revealed on Tuesday: “It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead.

“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully with. Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know? We are aware that he had many enemies, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments.

“If you feel inclined to share, please also include your credit card number so we can automatically sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory. We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”

Though we are yet to learn his cause of death, which may or may not be shampoo-related, there have been other far juicier details revealed.

1. Duo the Owl’s full name is interesting

In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson. pic.twitter.com/4CTl2Jc6Oe

— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025

Following Duo’s passing yesterday, the brand posted another obituary alongside the caption: “In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson.”

The picture showed a black-and-white image of Duo alongside his full government name, Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo. Did we always know this was his full name? Obviously, his first and last names are combined to form the brand name but where the hell did Keyshauna Renee come from?

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According to Kindred, “Keyshauna is a less common name with African-American origins. The name is derived from the combination of ‘Keysha’, a variant of the name Keshia, and ‘una’, which adds a unique twist. Over time, the use of Keyshauna has remained relatively niche, reflecting its cultural and personal significance. The name is important because it represents a blend of traditional and modern elements, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots.”

Duo’s other middle name, Renee, is said to mean “reborn” or “born again” which could hint at Duo’s possible Jesus-like resurrection.

2. I thought he was born in 2011, turns out he’s older than humanity

Though Duo the Owl was officially created as Duolingo’s mascot in 2011, the same obituary post revealed that he was born in 10,000 BC! For reference, that means Duo was around during the last ice age. What has he been doing this whole time and why did it take him 10,000 years to get a job?

Conspiracy theory: Duo faked his death to avoid the tax man who has been hunting him for millennia.

3. Duo’s affections for Dua Lipa are apparently reciprocated

Til' death duo part 💔 https://t.co/XqVUTK5E0V

— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 12, 2025

In a tragic moment akin to Hollywood’s biggest romantic comedies, singer Dua Lipa finally revealed that she reciprocated Duo the Owl’s feelings.

Reacting to the tragic news, she wrote on Twitter: “Til’ death duo part.”

4. He’s got more celebrity connections than Kylie Jenner

https://t.co/m0K8pqgmsM pic.twitter.com/1KzNDUAnMW

— Halo (@Halo) February 11, 2025

They say you don’t know how popular you are until you die, and Duo might just be the most popular owl on the planet. Since his passing, Netflix, Playstation, Halo, Assassin’s Creed, and many more have shared their condolences on Twitter.

Gone, but never forgotten thanks to Duolingo’s push notifications.

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Featured image credit: Duolingo