Neptune got its name from the Roman god of the sea. This naming choice was inspired by the planet's deep blue color, which resembles the ocean, fitting the tradition of naming planets after Roman deities
. The name "Neptune" was proposed shortly after the planet's discovery in 1846, following its first observation by Johann Gottfried Galle, which was guided by mathematical predictions from Urbain Le Verrier. Initially, there were other name suggestions, including "Janus" and "Oceanus," and even a proposal to name the planet after Le Verrier himself. However, the name Neptune gained international acceptance because of its mythological connection and the planet's oceanic hue
. This practice of naming planets after Roman gods continued the tradition established by the Romans, who named the five planets visible to the naked eye after their most important gods. When newer planets were discovered with telescopes, astronomers chose to maintain this mythological naming convention
. In summary, Neptune's name reflects both its appearance and the cultural tradition of linking celestial bodies to mythological figures, specifically the Roman god of the sea, Neptune.
