How do scientists name new elements?

In one line

The rule

"New elements are named by their discoverers, following guidelines set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)."

The name must:

• Be based on a mythological concept, mineral, place, property, or scientist.
• End with “-ium”, “-ine”, or “-on” (depending on the group).
• Be approved by IUPAC.

Let's understand it simply

Imagine you find a new type of fruit in your village. You want to name it, but there are rules: the name should be easy to say, not already used, and maybe tell something about the fruit. Scientists do the same for elements. They want names that are clear, not confusing, and tell us something about the element—like where it was found, who found it, or what it does.

Think of the periodic table as a giant family photo. Each new member needs a name that fits with the rest, so everyone knows who is who.

How it works

1. Discovery: Scientists find a new element in a lab, often by smashing atoms together.
2. Temporary name: The element gets a placeholder name and symbol based on its atomic number (for example, element 118 was called ununoctium, symbol Uuo).
3. Claim and proof: The discoverers must prove they really found a new element. Other scientists check the results.
4. Naming proposal: The discoverers suggest a name and symbol, following IUPAC rules.
5. Public review: The proposed name is shared worldwide. Scientists and the public can give feedback.
6. Official approval: IUPAC reviews everything and, if all is correct, officially accepts the name and symbol.

The story behind it

The process of naming elements was not always organized. In the early days, scientists named elements after places (like Polonium for Poland), people (Curium for Marie and Pierre Curie), or properties (Hydrogen means "water-former"). But as more elements were discovered, confusion grew. To solve this, IUPAC was formed in 1919 to set clear rules for naming. One famous naming dispute was over element 106, which was finally named Seaborgium after Glenn Seaborg, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist.

Where you see it in real life

• Periodic table in your classroom: Every element's name follows these rules.
• News reports: When a new element is discovered, you hear about its temporary name first, then its official name later.
• Science textbooks: Elements like Nihonium (Nh, element 113) and Moscovium (Mc, element 115) were named after places (Japan and Moscow region).
• Chemistry Olympiads: Students are sometimes asked about the origins of element names.
• Laboratories: Scientists use the official names to avoid confusion in research papers.
• Everyday products: Elements like Americium (in smoke detectors) are named after America, showing the naming tradition.

Why it matters

• Universal language: Scientists worldwide use the same names, so there is no confusion.
• Honoring discovery: Naming can honor people, places, or cultures.
• Safety and accuracy: Correct names prevent dangerous mix-ups in labs and industry.
• Exam questions: Understanding naming rules helps in competitive exams and higher studies.

Worked example

Let's see how element 114 got its name:

Step 1: Discovery    Scientists in Russia and the USA create element 114 in 1998.
Step 2: Temporary name    It is called ununquadium (Uuq).
Step 3: Proof    Other labs confirm the discovery.
Step 4: Naming proposal    Discoverers suggest the name Flerovium (Fl), after Russian physicist Georgy Flerov.
Step 5: Public review    Name is shared for comments.
Step 6: Official approval    IUPAC approves the name Flerovium in 2012.

Common mistakes

• Thinking anyone can name an element: Only discoverers can suggest names, and IUPAC must approve.
• Assuming names are random: There are strict rules about what names are allowed.
• Forgetting temporary names: New elements always get a placeholder name first.
• Mixing up symbols: The symbol must match the name and not be already taken.

Remember it

New elements get names that follow international rules—so every scientist, anywhere, knows exactly which element you mean.