The name is from Neo-Latin molybdaenum, from Ancient Greek, meaning lead, since its ores were confused with lead ores.
Igama kusukela Neo-Latin molybdaenum, kusukela WaseGrisi wasendulo Μόλυβδος molybdos, okusho phambili, kusukela imikhando yayo ayedidekile umthofu imikhando.