Uranus is named after the ancient Greek deity of the sky, Uranus (or Ouranos in Greek mythology). The name was proposed by the German astronomer Johann Bode to follow the tradition of naming planets after mythological figures, while also fitting into a planetary hierarchy—Uranus is considered the father of Saturn and the grandfather of Jupiter. This name was adopted internationally over the initial name suggested by the planet's discoverer William Herschel, who first called it "Georgium Sidus" in honor of King George III. The use of "Uranus" perpetuates the mythological theme among the planets and reflects the god's role as the primordial sky deity in Greek mythology.
