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People Discuss The Names They'd Choose If They Could Rename Earth

People Discuss The Names They'd Choose If They Could Rename Earth
NASA on Unsplash
Winn Sioux Christnot-Peters
By Winn Sioux Christnot-PetersFeb 08, 2022
Winn Sioux Christnot-Peters

Winn Sioux Christnot-Peters is a writer/web designer and aspiring librarian based in Maine. When not writing, they devote much of their time to multiple non-profit organizations, largely focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare. During rare moments of free time Winn enjoys video and tabletop games, as well as various nerdy fiber crafts such as crocheting (mainly amigurumi Pokémon, cat toys, and blankets) and counted cross stitch.

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Earth is the only planet not named after a Greek or Roman god or goddess.

Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture.Jupiter was the King of the Roman gods.

So, why Earth?

The easy answer is we don't know.

The name "Earth" is derived from English and German words, 'eor(th)e/ertha' and 'erde' which mean ground. But why it was attributed to the planet and by whom is unknown.

So, since there aren't any sentimental ties to the name, why not choose another?

Redditor Tall_Blacksmith_3190 asked:

"You can rename Earth. What would you name it?"

Planet Wars

"Dearth Vader"

"Moon, I am your father."

- macey010

Not Lizard Spock?

"Rock"

- BumFighter69

"Paper!

"I win."

"Planet Paper it is then."

- avspuk

3rd Rock

"Sol 3"

- Nostonica

"Might as well call it what the visitors guide would say."

- WildesWay

Accurate

"Blue Ball"

- mickermiker

💩

"Shaturn"

- Everybodyleft

"Poopiter"

- yellacopter

"M-Arse"

- JuckChones

"Neptoot"

- KareemAbdulJafar_

"Penus"

- DarthRevanacci

"Now here are names I can get behind......no, wait."

- faustianBM

ÆR-¶6

"unpronounceable symbol"

- dad_with_specs

"The Planet Formerly Known as Earth"

- Electrical_Potato_21

Ha!

"Earth 4"

"Just to mess with aliens."

- Candid-Tip-6483

"You don’t wanna see the other 3”

- Legionof1

Misnomer

"It's synonymous with dirt."

"Yet it has more water."

"I need a fancy sounding foreign name for mud."

- catinapointyhat

"Slutch—synonymous with silt."

- on_a_pale-horse

"That's a nice word for such a naughty planet."

"Works on several levels, I'm in."

"Slutch it is."

- catinapointyhat

This Old Joke

"Ouranus"

- aremytearsglutenfree

"Myanus, if you will."

- Appropriate-Spell943

"Youranus or mine?"

- 01kickassius10

"Myanus is Uranus."

- sylphir3

Periodically

"Nife or NiFe."

"The planet is mostly nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe), right?"

"And who doesn't want to be able to claim they live on the NiFe's edge?"

- waltjrimmer

So, did any of these suggestions strike your fancy?

Do you have a better suggestion?

Want to "know" more?

Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.

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