Element Name Origins

Question 1

Hydrogen

Answer 1

from Greek ‘hydro-genes” (water producer)

Question 2

Helium

Answer 2

from Greek “helios” (Sun)

Question 3

Lithium

Answer 3

from Greek “lithos” (stone)

Question 4

Beryllium

Answer 4

from mineral Beryl (e.g. Emerald) in which it is found

Question 5

Boron

Answer 5

from mineral Borax in which it is found

Question 6

Carbon

Answer 6

from Latin “carbo” (coal)

Question 7

Nitrogen

Answer 7

from French “nitrogene” (saltpeter/niter producing)

Question 8

Oxygen

Answer 8

from Greek “oxys-genes” (acid producer)

Question 9

Fluorine

Answer 9

from Latin “fluo” (to flow)

Question 10

Neon

Answer 10

from Greek “neo” (new)

Question 11

Sodium

Answer 11

from Arabic “suda” (headache)

Question 12

Na

Answer 12

from “natron”, sodium compound mined in Wadi El Natrun (Natron Valley) in Egypt

Question 13

Magnesium

Answer 13

from Magnesia, a region in Thessaly/Greece

Question 14

Aluminum

Answer 14

from compound “alum” in which it is found

Question 15

Silicon

Answer 15

from Latin “silex” (flint)

Question 16

Phosphorus

Answer 16

Greek for light-bringer, Lucifer, Morning Star, Venus

Question 17

Sulfur

Answer 17

from Latin “sulpur”

Question 18

Chlorine

Answer 18

from Greek “chloros” (green-yellow)

Question 19

Argon

Answer 19

from Greek for “inactive”

Question 20

Potassium

Answer 20

from “potash”, burnt plant matter from which it was discovered

Question 21

K

Answer 21

New Latin “kalium”, from Arabic “al-qalyah” (plant ashes)

Question 22

Calcium

Answer 22

from Latin “calx” (lime)

Question 23

Scandium

Answer 23

from Latin “Scandia” (Scandinavia)

Question 24

Titanium

Answer 24

after Titans of Greek mythology

Question 25

Vanadium

Answer 25

after Norse goddess Vanadis (Frejya)

Question 26

Chromium

Answer 26

from Greek “chroma” (color)

Question 27

Manganese

Answer 27

fom Magnesia, a region in Thessaly/Greece

Question 28

Fe

Answer 28

from Latin “ferrum” (iron)

Question 29

Cobalt

Answer 29

from German “kobold” (goblin)

Question 30

Nickel

Answer 30

after sprite of German mythology

Question 31

Copper

Answer 31

from Latin “cuprum” (metal of Cyprus)

Question 32

Zinc

Answer 32

?

Question 33

Gallium

Answer 33

from Latin “Gallia” (Gaul)

Question 34

Germanium

Answer 34

from Latin “Germania” (Germany)