Herschel called the new planet the ` Georgian star ' ( Georgium sidus ) after King George III , which brought him favor ; the name did not stick , however . In France , where reference to the British king was to be avoided if possible , the planet was known as ` Herschel ' until the name ` Uranus ' was universally adopted . He called the new planet the ` Georgian star ' ( Georgium sidus ) after King George III , which also brought him favor ; the name did n't stick , however : in France , where reference to the British king was to be avoided if possible , the planet was known as ` Herschel ' until the name ` Uranus ' was universally adopted .