Where did the planet Mercury get its name?

Answer 1

The planets of the solar system, except Earth, were named after Roman gods. This planet moves around the sun very quickly. So, it was named after the Roman god, Mercurywho was swift of foot, the messenger of the gods.

Answer 2

Mercury is the Roman name for the Greek god Hermes, who is the messenger of the Gods.

A messenger needs to be fast, and as Mercury orbits the Sun in just 88 days (The fastest in the solar system), and as it was a God, it must be a messenger. So they named the planet Mercury.

There is possible speculation, that because of Mercury's eccentric orbit and inclination, that observers would see Mercury "flitting" as if it was a bird - which may be why Mercury the God had wings on his helmet.

Answer 3

Because it fits with the other planets, in terms of names which are based on ancient Mythology. The outer planets that were discovered much later were named similarly, to keep with the same theme. Mercury, the god that the planet is named after, was the messenger god, and was very swift, which is appropriate to the planet which looks like it is moving quickly from night to night and in fact moves the most quickly in its orbit.

Answer 4

Mercury is the fastest planet so they named it after the Roman speed God Mercury.

Answer 5

The planet Mercury, as well as the element, got its name from the god in Roman mythology named Mercury. He was the messenger god, and he was the one with winged sandals.

Answer 6

The planets are named after Roman Gods, Mercury is named after Mercury, the messenger of the Gods

Answer 7

it is from the roman god of messenger, because it appeared to move accross the sky so fast it is from the roman god of messenger, because it appeared to move accross the sky so fast

Answer 8

every planet is naned after a god but not earth.

Answer 9

It is named after the Roman god.