Boy
Greek
3 syllables
Orion
oh-RYE-un
/əˈraɪ.ɒn/
"Written in the stars" — a name that illuminates the night sky
Orion is the name of a great hunter in Greek mythology who was transformed into the most recognizable constellation in the night sky. The etymology is uncertain but may derive from Akkadian 'Uru-anna' meaning 'light of heaven' or from a Greek root meaning 'to rise.' Orion is one of the fastest-rising nature-inspired names in the United States, appealing to parents drawn to celestial, mythological names with timeless grandeur.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesO · ri · on
GenderBoy
OriginGreek
Root WordOrion
MeaningRising in the sky; boundary; light of heaven
PopularityCommon
Peak Year2022
Trend
↑ Rising
Nicknames
OriRion
About the Name Orion
Orion's exact etymology is debated; it may derive from Akkadian 'Uru-anna' meaning 'light of heaven,' or from a Greek root related to 'rising' or 'boundary.' In mythology, Orion was a giant hunter of great beauty and skill who was placed among the stars after his death. The name carries the majesty of the night sky.
Orion has been rising rapidly in the United States and entered the top 300 around 2020. It appeals strongly to parents drawn to nature and space themes, and continues to climb as celestial names gain cultural popularity.
Orion is associated with grandeur, independence, and a visionary, wide-ranging intellect. People named Orion are often perceived as ambitious, creative dreamers with a magnetic presence. The name suggests someone who thinks on a cosmic scale.
Orion pairs beautifully with names that complement its mythological scale: Orion Alexander, Orion Sebastian, and Orion Theodore all work well. More thematic options like Orion Caspian or Orion Felix bring a literary, adventurous feel.
Orion comes from Greek mythology, where Orion was a great hunter, son of the sea god Poseidon. After his death, Zeus placed him among the stars as the constellation Orion, visible worldwide and featuring the famous Orion's Belt. The name has been used occasionally since antiquity but gained traction as a given name primarily in the 20th century.
Ori is a warm, accessible nickname for Orion. Rion is another option that captures the name's second element. The full name Orion has such a strong, complete sound that many bearers prefer it in full.
Personality of Orion
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Orion
Creativity
84%
Elegance
82%
Independence
88%
Intelligence
82%
Strength
80%
Warmth
70%
Famous People Named Orion
O
Orion (Mythology)
Giant huntsman in Greek mythology, son of Poseidon, placed among the stars
O
Orion (Marvel Comics)
DC Comics character also known as the son of Darkseid
O
Orion (Men in Black)
The galaxy located on the cat Orion's collar in the film Men in Black
O
Orion Acaba
American voice actor and Dungeons & Dragons player known from Critical Role
Middle Names for Orion
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Orion
Orion Orion James
Orion Orion Alexander
Orion Orion Sebastian
Orion Orion Felix
Orion Orion Theodore
Orion Orion Elliot
Orion Orion Caspian
Orion Orion Blaze
Orion Orion Silas
Orion Orion Phoenix
Names Similar to Orion
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Orion
700 BC
Homer mentions Orion in the Odyssey as a great hunter transformed into a constellation
200 BC
Orion constellation documented in Greek astronomical tradition as one of the most prominent
1960s
NASA's Orion spacecraft programs begin, associating the name with space exploration
2015
Orion rises sharply in US popularity as celestial names gain widespread appeal
Numerology & Symbolism of Orion
8
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
3
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Sagittarius
9
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Midnight Blue
💎
Lucky Stone
Sapphire
🌸
Lucky Flower
Night-blooming Jasmine
Orion Around the World
How Orion is written in different languages and scripts
أوريون
Arabic
オリオン
Japanese
Орион
Russian
오리온
Korean
猎户座
Chinese
Ωρίων
Greek
ओरायन
Hindi
אוריון
Hebrew
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