Why is uranus named uranus?

Herschel did not name the planet Uranus, he called it "the Georgium Sidus" (the Georgian Planet) in honor of King George III of England. The name "Uranus" was first proposed by German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in order for it to be in conformity with the other planetary names - which are from classical mythology. read more

These were the only planets that were bright enough for them to see. Later, when telescopes were used, other planets were discovered. Astronomers decided to continue naming the planets after Roman Gods with one exception - Uranus. Uranus was named after the Greek god of the sky. read more

Uranus is the ancient Greek deity of the Heavens, the earliest supreme god. This name did not achieve common use until 1850. Astronomy is very old science - with at least 4,000 years of history. read more

Uranus was the only planet in the Solar System named after a god from Greek mythology, rather than using the Roman counterpart’s name. Other Names: While Uranus remains the widely-recognized name for the Solar System’s seventh planet (and third gas giant), other cultures have recognized it by various other names. read more