How Did Earth Get Its Name?

By: Michelle Bryner, Life's Little Mysteries Contributor

Date: 14 November 2012 Time: 09:16 AM ET

The image of Earth in space like a blue marble highlighted the planets fragility and the beauty of Earth.

CREDIT: NASA

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The answer is, we don't know. The name "Earth" is derived from both English and German words, 'eor(th)e/ertha' and 'erde', respectively, which mean ground. But, the handle's creator is unknown. One interesting fact about its name: Earth is the only planet that wasn't named after a Greek or Roman god or goddess. For example, Saturn was named after the Roman god of agriculture, and Jupiter's name comes from the King of the Roman gods.

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The Earth truly is a planet of extremes, from ice-cold tundra to steamy rain forests, from ocean trenches to snow-covered peaks.

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