diff --git a/item_names.lua b/item_names.lua
index cb9f2a3..5eb0e40 100644
--- a/item_names.lua
+++ b/item_names.lua
@@ -18,7 +18,8 @@ local function set_hud(player)
 
 	item_names[player_name] = {
 		hud = player:hud_add({
-			hud_elem_type = "text",
+			-- TODO: remove compatibility code when 5.8.0 is no longer used
+			[minetest.features.hud_def_type_field and "type" or "hud_elem_type"] = "text",
 			position = {x=0.5, y=1},
 			offset = off,
 			alignment = {x=0, y=-1},