New Stranger Things Prequel Novel Explains Why Eleven's Real Name Is Jane

While Stranger Things fans have to wait until July 4, 2019 to see what’s happening in Hawkins, Indiana during season three, they definitely don’t have to wait that long to return to the show’s universe. Suspicious Minds, the first official Stranger Things novel, has finally been released.

The book, which is a prequel to the Netflix series, was written by Gwenda Bond, who worked closely with show staff writer Paul Dichter to make sure that the tome was aligned with the series writers' intentions and goals. While fans can’t wait to find out what happens during the summer of 1985 when season three drops later this year, the book—which follows Eleven’s mother and her time with MKUltra—gives some fascinating insights into our favorite characters' backstories.

One of the most interesting revelations from the new book is why Eleven’s mother, Terry, named her daughter "Jane." According to Bond, she was named after legendary primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.

As BuzzFeed reports, Bond's explanation of the name choice is as follows:

"Terry has a dry sense of humor. Jane’s name comes from Terry reading about Jane Goodall, whose work was just starting to get attention in the late ‘60s. One of the things about her that was unique—and is somewhat controversial—is that Goodall gave the chimpanzees she studied in the wild names instead of numbers. She’s thumbing her nose at the idea Brenner will study her daughter."

Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds is available for purchase now.