Skip to main content
2 of 2
replaced http://mathoverflow.net/ with https://mathoverflow.net/

Why are they called L-functions?

I was hoping to see this pop up on the recent big list question about etymology or terms and symbols. Since it has not, and I can't find an answer, I will ask:

What is the reason for the $L$ in $L$-function? I've read that the general use of the term cames from Dirichlet's $L$-functions $L(s,\chi).$ Was there any motivation behind Dirichlet's use or was it just an arbitary choice?

If so, is there any compelling reason that we keep this name other than tradition?

James Weigandt
  • 3.3k
  • 1
  • 31
  • 36