After the discovery the new object got the provisional designation 2003 UB313. The informal name Xena used by the discovery team was inspired by the characters of the television series Xena, the orbiting satellite got called Gabrielle.

Eris is the Greek goddess of discord and strife. She is Ares' constant companion and follows him everywhere. Eris is sinister and mean, and her greatest joy is to make trouble. She has a golden apple that is so bright and shiny everybody wants to have it. When she throws it among friends, their friendship come to a rapid end. When she throws it among enemies, war breaks out, for the golden apple of Eris is the Apple of Discord.