Orion
Orion Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
oh-REYE-uhn
Meaning of Orion: Orion derives from ancient Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant hunter of extraordinary skill. The name's etymology is disputed: one theory traces it to Greek orios (mountain man); another suggests an Akkadian root Ur-Anna (light of heaven), reflecting a possible Near Eastern origin for the myth.
In Greek mythology, Orion was the son of Poseidon and the greatest hunter who ever lived. After his death - killed by Artemis or a scorpion sent by Gaia, depending on the source - Zeus placed him among the stars as the constellation that still bears his name.
The constellation Orion is visible from virtually every inhabited location on Earth and appears in cultures from ancient Egypt to Mesoamerica. In ancient Egypt, Orion's Belt aligned with pyramid shafts at Giza. That sky-wide presence gave the name cross-cultural resonance rare among Greek personal names.
What Does Orion Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Orion has appeared in US birth figures since 1880. The name climbed in the late 20th century as mythological names gained ground. Orion peaked at rank 300 in 2018 with 1,596 births - its highest SSA position. By 2024 the name ranked 325 with 1,061 births.
The name sits comfortably alongside other mythological male names popular in the US, including Atlas, Apollo, and Titan. All share the same appeal: classical weight, strong sounds, and associations with power or the cosmos. NASA's Orion spacecraft program, launched in 2014, adds a contemporary space-age resonance.
For mythology and etymology notes, see etymology records. SSA popularity records from 1880 through 2024 are at ssa.gov.
How Popular Is Orion?
Numerology & Symbolism of Orion
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Orion – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Orion
What does the name Orion mean?
The name Orion originates in ancient Greek. Greek names frequently encoded concepts from mythology, philosophy, or the natural world, and many were preserved through the New Testament and early Christian tradition.
How popular is the name Orion in the United States?
According to SSA records, Orion ranked #325 for boy names in the United States, with 1,061 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2018. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Orion come from?
The name Orion comes from Greek. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Greek-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.