Aran ipun saking Néo-Latin molybdaenum, mawit saking kurna Basa Yunani Kuna Μόλυβδος molybdos, artos ipun timah, mawinan ketah wiji nyané kasilur sareng timah.[1]
The name is from Neo-Latin molybdaenum which is based on Ancient Greek Μόλυβδος molybdos meaning lead since its ores were confused with lead ores.