In 1930, Vesto Melvin Slipher, an astronomer at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, put forward the name 'Pluto' for a newly discovered celestial body that had been observed for a few months. This initiative was recorded in the Lowell Observatory Observation Circular and was part of an ongoing dialogue within the astronomical community regarding the identification and classification of distant objects in the solar system. The name 'Pluto' was derived from Roman mythology, where Pluto is the god of the underworld, which captured the intriguing and enigmatic nature of this distant planet, located far beyond the orbit of Neptune.

The process of naming Pluto was somewhat informal, with Slipher and his colleagues deliberating over potential names. At the time, the discovery—by Clyde Tombaugh—had sparked significant interest in astronomy among the public. As news of the observation spread, several names were considered, but 'Pluto' was particularly favored due to its evocative connotations and the mythological link that suggested darkness and depth. The decision was significantly influenced by an appeal to classical culture, aligning with the traditions of naming celestial bodies after mythological figures.

Once proposed, the name 'Pluto' quickly gained traction among the public and the scientific community. The name was not only a reflection of the astronomical discovery but also resonated culturally, capturing the imagination of many. As a result, Pluto transitioned from a mere designation of a new object in the sky to a symbol of modern astronomy's exploration of the unknown. The name established a foundation for future discussions surrounding the classification of celestial bodies, particularly those residing at the fringes of our solar system.