Pluto
/ˈpluːtoʊ/noun
The Roman god of the underworld; also the former ninth planet of the Solar System.
Did you know?The name Pluto comes from Greek Ploutōn, an euphemistic title for Hades meaning “the wealthy one,” because the dead were thought to belong to the hidden riches beneath the earth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πλούτων (Ploutōn)
“A euphemistic name for Hades, the god of the underworld, especially as ruler of the dead and hidden wealth beneath the earth.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Πλοῦτος (Ploutos)
“Wealth or riches; also personified as the god of abundance.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πλούσιος (plousios)
“Wealthy, rich.”
Latin
Latin
Pluto
“The Roman name for the underworld god.”
Modern English
English
Pluto
“The Roman god of the underworld; later the name of the dwarf planet discovered in 1930.”
Explore more surprising origins