Who named this planet 'Earth' ?

Question

I know its a silly question but i just wondered about it

Answer 1

Earth is Old English and German in origin, related to the Old Saxon 'ertha', the Dutch 'aerde', and the German 'erda'.

It seems likely that, initially, people used Earth to mean 'land'. Subsequently, it was the natural way to refer to—all—the land and the planet.

Answer 2

Earth is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology. The name derives from Old English and Germanic. There are, of course, hundreds of other names for the planet in other languages. In Roman Mythology, the goddess of the Earth was Tellus - the fertile soil (Greek: Gaia, terra mater - Mother Earth).

It was not until the time of Copernicus (the sixteenth century) that it was understood that the Earth is just another planet.


Copernicus, Nicolaus 1473-1543
Polish astronomer who advanced the heliocentric theory that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. This was highly controversial at the time as the Ptolemaic view of the universe, which was the prevailing theory for over 1000 years, was deeply ingrained in the prevailing philosophy and religion. (It should be noted, however, that the heliocentric idea was first put forth by Aristarcus of Samos in the 3rd century BC, a fact known to Copernicus but long ignored.) ( 12k gif; 129k jpg; more)

Answer 3

This is a matter of deep controversy. Oog claims to have coined the name but Urg desputes that claim and says he coined it. Since they both have been dead now for over 14,000 years the world may never know the truth.

Answer 4

probably one of the answers above...
by the way i think its a really good and interesting question, not silly.....thx 4 asking

Answer 5

Earth is another name for dirt/soil.

Answer 6

what einstien said (for the english word anyway)

Answer 7

Dunno, but it should have been named Water anyway.