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Origin and meaning of the name Hyperion

What is the origin of the name Hyperion?

Hyperion is a Greek mythological figure, originating from Ancient Greek mythology. He was one of the Titans and was considered the father of the Sun (Helios), the Moon (Selene), and the dawn goddess Eos in Hesiod's "Theogony". The name Hyperion comes from the Greek words "hyper" meaning "over, above" and "aion" meaning "age," and thus it can be translated as "one who is over or above an age." It has been used as a given name since ancient times and continues to be used today.

Learn more about the origin of the name Hyperion

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Hyperion

Hyperion is an ancient Greek mythological name, derived from the Greek word "hyper," which means "over" or "above," and "ion," meaning "son." In Greek mythology, Hyperion was one of the Titans, children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Heaven). He was a god of light and the father of Helios (the Sun), Selene (the Moon), and Eos (the Dawn). As a Titan, Hyperion predated the Olympian gods of Greek mythology. In modern usage, the name Hyperion has been revived, primarily as a given name for boys, carrying connotations of brilliance and greatness due to its roots in Greek mythology.

Character traits associated with the name Hyperion

Hyperion is often depicted as a symbol of power and wisdom in various mythologies. In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the Titans, known for his role as a father of the sun, moon, and other gods. Characteristics associated with Hyperion include:

1. Authority: As a Titan, Hyperion held a high rank among the divine beings, embodying a sense of authority and command.
2. Wisdom: Known for his vast knowledge and understanding, Hyperion was considered one of the wisest among the gods.
3. Creativity: As the father of Helios (the Sun) and Selene (the Moon), Hyperion symbolizes the creative aspect of divine power, shaping the cosmos itself.
4. Nobility: Associated with celestial bodies like the sun and moon, Hyperion embodies nobility and grace, reflecting the grandeur of the heavens.
5. Resilience: Despite being a Titan, a group that was eventually overthrown by the Olympians, Hyperion's enduring presence in mythology demonstrates his strength and resilience.

Popularity of the name Hyperion

Hyperion, an ancient Greek titan associated with the sun, has also served as a unique given name in various contexts throughout history. In terms of modern usage, Hyperion is not among the most popular names for boys globally or in many individual countries. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Hyperion was ranked outside the top 1000 baby boy names from 2010 to 2020. However, the name has been used sparingly among newborns during this period and may still be found in some naming circles that appreciate its mythological connotations or distinctive quality. The popularity of Hyperion as a given name remains relatively low compared to more common names.

Famous people with the name Hyperion

Hyperion is an uncommon given name, and as such, there are limited renowned individuals who bear it. Notably, Hyperion is a character from Greek mythology, a Titan god of the sun, often depicted as a father figure to other celestial deities. In literature, Hyperion is also the title of a science fiction series by Dan Simmons, featuring multiple characters named Hyperion, including a scholar-priest and a robot known as Fabrice dela Rouchefoucauld. Additionally, in astronomy, Hyperion is a moon of Saturn, one of the most prominent satellites to bear this unique name.

Variations of the name Hyperion

Hyperion is an ancient Greek name of mythological significance, primarily associated with the Titan who was the son of Gaia and Kronos. In modern times, the name has seen various spellings and forms as it has been adopted in different cultures. Some common variations of Hyperion include:

1. Hyperion: This is the original Greek spelling of the name. It means "he who lies beyond."
2. Hyperionus: A Latinized form of Hyperion, used mainly in medieval texts.
3. Hyperione: The feminine form of Hyperion in Latin, although this spelling is less common and may not be recognized by all speakers of English.
4. Hiperión (Spanish): This is the Spanish version of Hyperion, pronounced [ipereˈon]. It is used both as a given name and a surname in some Spanish-speaking countries.
5. Hiperionas (Lithuanian): A rare Lithuanian form of the name, where the ending "-as" is traditionally added to foreign names for feminine usage. However, it might not be widely recognized or used due to its uncommonness.
6. Hyperpion: A less common English variation of the name that may be seen in some informal contexts, although it is not considered a standard spelling.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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