: As you may have noticed, our planets are named after Greek Gods and Godesses. Except Earth. I have read that prior to Columbus reaching the new land and most folks thought the world was flat, earth was called in a latin form "Terra" or translation "Earth". Who gave the name is unknown. But the name stuck. Uranus which was discovered in the 18th Century, wasn't named until later. How the system of naming planets, is somewhat vague now, I believe they started the names and just kept naming in the same way. I do know this. I read in an astronomy handbook that Pluto which was discovered in 1933 was named that way because they wanted to follow the tradition of Mythical God & Godesses. It's moon Charon is companion to Pluto. Pluto if you remember your history lessons is also known as Hades. Lord of the underworld. Pluto being so far away and mysterious, is an apy name. There are historical web sites dedicated to early astronomy and constellation. I hope I helped a little.

Also Pluto's naming has added interest; the long time planet beyond Neptune hunter Perceval Lowell's initials are the first 2 letters of Pluto.