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Orion Unisex

Popularity: #305 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationoh-RYE-un / /oʊˈraɪən/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: 'rising in the sky'; Latin: 'hunter'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Orion has its roots in ancient Greek mythology, deriving from the Greek word 'Ὠρίων' (Oríon), which is believed to mean 'rising in the sky' or 'boundary.' The etymology suggests a connection to the constellation Orion, which is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations in the night sky. The mythological figure Orion was often depicted as a giant huntsman, and his stories were recorded in various ancient texts, including those by Homer in the 8th century BCE. The name entered the English language through Latin, where it was adopted from Greek, and subsequently made its way into Old French before becoming established in Middle English by the late medieval period.

Historically, Orion has been associated with various cultural narratives and astronomical observations. In Greek mythology, Orion was said to be the son of Poseidon and was often linked to the goddess Artemis, who was both his companion and adversary in different myths. The constellation itself has been referenced in various works throughout history, including the writings of Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, where it was cataloged among the 48 classical constellations. The prominence of Orion in the night sky has made it a subject of fascination across different cultures, including the Egyptians, who associated the constellation with Osiris, their god of the afterlife.

The name Orion carries significant cultural resonance, symbolizing strength, adventure, and the eternal quest for knowledge, as reflected in its mythological associations. Its enduring presence in literature and astronomy has solidified its place in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the name has inspired various diminutive forms and related names in different cultures, although these variations are less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, Orion remains a name deeply embedded in the tapestry of human storytelling and celestial observation.

Trend Summary

Orion has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Oryon
  • Orin

International Variants

  • Orione (Italian)
  • Orion (Spanish)
  • Orion (English)

Famous people named Orion

Orion Samuelson is a broadcaster best known for his work in agricultural journalism and as a long-time host on WGN Radio.

Orion Pictures is a film production company best known for films like Flashdance, Dances with Wolves, and The Terminator.

Fictional characters named Orion

Orion is a fictional character from DC Comics. He is a New God and a warrior from the planet New Genesis, known for his strength and combat skills.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Orion was first seen in the United States in 1880. Orion has ranked as high as #541 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Washington. In the past 5 years the name Orion has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Orion (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 133
14%
TX 88
9%
FL 69
7%
NY 61
6%
PA 36
4%
WA 34
3%
IL 31
3%
VA 30
3%
AZ 30
3%
IN 27
3%
OH 27
3%
MO 26
3%
OR 26
3%
GA 23
2%
NC 21
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18855
18865
18876
18886
18897
18958
189616
189713
18987
18995
19007
19045
19056
19076
19086
19097
19117
191211
191314
191416
191528
191625
191731
191826
191934
192033
192132
192227
192338
192430
192527
192622
192724
192829
192919
193020
193113
193216
193315
193416
193518
193614
193710
193812
193920
19409
194115
194217
194326
19446
194513
19467
19478
194811
19499
195010
195111
19526
195311
195411
195616
195710
19589
19607
196210
19637
19655
196613
19678
196814
196918
197012
197132
197238
197335
197454
197558
197657
197767
197866
197981
198061
198167
198287
198376
198472
198564
198656
198783
198878
198989
199090
1991117
199292
1993108
1994148
1995168
1996185
1997195
1998372
1999377
2000382
2001404
2002367
2003399
2004418
2005427
2006486
2007469
2008496
2009519
2010561
2011574
2012679
2013759
2014821
2015877
20161,072
20171,023
20181,152
20191,077
20201,016
20211,053
20221,020
2023867
20241,061