The names "proton," "neutron," and "electron" were given by different scientists throughout history. Here's a brief overview:
Proton: The term "proton" was introduced by Ernest Rutherford in 1920. Rutherford, a New Zealand-born British physicist, conducted experiments on radioactivity and proposed the existence of a positively charged particle at the center of an atom. He named this particle the "proton" from the Greek word "protos," meaning "first" or "primary."
Neutron: The neutron was discovered by James Chadwick in 1932. Chadwick, an English physicist, conducted experiments that demonstrated the presence of an uncharged particle with a mass similar to that of a proton. He named this particle the "neutron" to indicate its neutral electrical charge.
Electron: The name "electron" was coined by George Johnstone Stoney in 1891. Stoney, an Irish physicist, proposed that there existed a fundamental unit of electricity, which he called the "electron." However, it was J.J. Thomson who provided experimental evidence for the existence of electrons and their properties in the late 19th century.
It's worth noting that while Stoney initially proposed the name "electron," Thomson's experiments and subsequent research solidified our understanding of electrons and their role in atomic structure.