Here's why:
* Latin was the language of science in the past: Before the modern periodic table and standardized naming conventions, scientists used Latin to name elements.
* Sodium was discovered in the 18th century: Sodium was first isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy through electrolysis of soda ash (sodium carbonate).
* "Natrium" was the Latin term for soda: Soda ash was known in ancient times and was referred to as "natrium" in Latin.
* Symbol derived from Latin: When chemists began creating symbols for elements, they often used the first or first two letters of the Latin name. Thus, Na became the symbol for sodium.
So, while the English name is "sodium," the atomic symbol is based on its Latin root, "natrium."
