Why was oxygen called oxygen?

Answer 1

The word was coined by the French chemist, Antoine Lavoisier in 1786. He used Greek words 'Oxy' meaning sharp and 'Gen' meaning producing. At the time oxygen was thought to be necessary in the making of acids

Answer 2

The term "oxygen" was coined by Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century. He derived the name from the Greek words "oxys" (acid) and "gennan" (generate) because he believed oxygen was the essential component in the formation of all acids.