Mercury got its name from the Roman messenger god Mercury, known for his speed and agility. The planet was named Mercury because it moves around the Sun faster than any other planet, completing an orbit in just 88 days. This rapid movement reminded the Romans of their swift-footed god who wore winged sandals and a winged helmet to travel quickly
. The naming tradition traces back to ancient times when the Greeks initially called the planet Hermes after their messenger god. Later, as Roman culture became dominant, the planet was renamed Mercurius, the Roman equivalent of Hermes. Mercury was not only the messenger of the gods but also associated with trade, commerce, and travel, reflecting the planet’s swift journey across the sky
. Thus, the planet Mercury’s name reflects its speed and the cultural significance of the Roman god Mercury as a symbol of swiftness and communication
