Each chemical element has a unique one or two-letter symbol assigned to it by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

For example:

* Hydrogen has the symbol H

* Helium has the symbol He

* Gold has the symbol Au (from the Latin word "aurum")

It's important to note that some elements have been historically referred to by multiple names, but only one official symbol is recognized by the IUPAC.