Question

Why do some elements have symbols that are very different from the English names of the elements?

Answer 1

Some elements are denoted by their Latin names instead of their English Names.

Explanation:

Most of the times we come across elements which have symbols which are close to their English Names. But sometimes,an element is denoted by its Latin name instead of its English name.
Eg Gold has symbol Au which is derived from Latin name Aurum
Iron has symbol Fe which is derived from laying name ferrous