How did Uranus get its name? The Romans named the five planets closest to the sun after their most important gods. These were the only planets that were bright enough for them to see. Later, when telscopes were used, other planets were discovered. Astronomers decided to continue naming the Planets after Roman Gods with one exception - Uranus. Uranus was named after the Greek god of the sky. According to myth, he was the father of Saturn and the grandfather of Jupiter.