Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Origin and meaning of the name Orion

Discover my first name's origin now

What is the origin of the name Orion?

The name Orion is of Greek origin. It comes from a figure in Greek mythology - Orion, who was a hunter and giant man known for his strength and skill. He was said to have been placed among the stars as the constellation Orion by Gaia, the Earth goddess, after being killed by Artemis and Apollo. The name has been in use since ancient times and is still popular today.

Learn more about the origin of the name Orion

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Orion

The name Orion is of Greek origin, derived from the mythological hunter Orion in Greek mythology. In this legend, Orion was a giant considered to be the greatest hunter among all men, favored by both Artemis (Diana) and Apollo. He boasted that he could kill any animal on Earth, which angered Gaia, the earth goddess, who sent a scorpion to kill Orion. Zeus, moved by Orion's pleas for immortality, placed him among the stars as the constellation Orion as a memorial. The name Orion was first used as a given name in England during the 18th century and has since gained popularity due to its association with the well-known constellation.

Character traits associated with the name Orion

Orion, a name of Greek origin, is often associated with individuals who embody traits such as courage, determination, and adventure. Named after the constellation Orion in mythology, this individual is believed to possess a strong sense of exploration and a deep connection with the cosmos. Orions are known for their keen intellect, curiosity, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, making them excellent researchers or explorers. They are also often characterized by their charisma, leadership skills, and a magnetic personality that draws people towards them. However, Orions can sometimes be perceived as impulsive or reckless due to their bold nature, but their unwavering determination and strong will typically enable them to overcome obstacles and succeed in their pursuits.

Popularity of the name Orion

The name Orion, derived from Greek mythology, signifies a prominent constellation and has gained popularity as a given name in recent years. Orion is often associated with strength, courage, and hunting, qualities that are appealing to parents seeking unique yet meaningful names for their children. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Orion first appeared in the top 1000 most popular baby boy names in the U.S. in 2003, steadily climbing the ranks since then. In 2020, it ranked at number 478, reflecting its increasing prevalence and parents' growing fondness for this name. The name Orion can be found globally, with variations in spelling and pronunciation, but the meaning remains consistent as a celestial reference to adventure, determination, and endurance.

Famous people with the name Orion

Orion is a distinctive name that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. In astronomy, Orion Nebula, also known as Messier 42, is named after the hunter constellation Orion, not a person. However, in the realm of entertainment and arts, Orion John Wasden, an American actor, has had a significant career. He portrayed the character "Hank" in the television series "Dawson's Creek." In literature, Orion Stimson is a renowned American poet known for his work in the Beat Generation during the mid-20th century. Lastly, Orion Benge, a Canadian ice hockey player, has made a name for himself in sports as a goaltender for the NHL's Calgary Flames. These are some of the famous individuals bearing the name Orion.

Variations of the name Orion

Orion, derived from Greek mythology, is a popular unisex given name that has several variations and spellings. The most common variations for males include Aorion, Aurion, Eorion, and Orian. For females, the names Oriana, Auriona, and Eoriana are commonly used. There are also forms that are more gender-neutral, such as Orionna or Orionis. In some cultures, variations may also exist due to regional pronunciation differences, for example Orionas or Oryon in certain dialects. Additionally, the name Orion can be a surname, and there are instances where it is used as a first name, such as in the case of Orion Whipple, an American astronomer.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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 :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

#1 Ori

First name • forenames > ori

The name Ori is of Hebrew origin. It is a unisex name meaning "my light" or "my flame." It is often used as a short form of names such as Oriana or Orin.

#2 Oriade-adesoro

First name • forenames > oriade-adesoro

The first name Oriade Adesoro has Nigerian origins. "Oriade" is a Yoruba name that means "the head of the crown" or "crown has emerged." "Adesoro" is also a Yoruba name that means ...

#3 Orian

First name • forenames > orian

The name Orian is a modern variation of the name Orion, which likely originates from Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant huntsman and was known for his strength ...

#4 Oriana maria

First name • forenames > oriana-maria

The name Oriana is of Italian origin and means "golden" or "sunrise." Maria is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "bitterness" or "beloved."

#5 Orianne

First name • forenames > orianne

O nome Oriane é de origem francesa e significa "aurora", "nascer do sol". É um nome feminino e tem uma conotação positiva de renascimento e renovação.

#6 Original lisa marie

First name • forenames > original-lisa-marie

The origin of the name "Lisa" is Germanic, a short form of Elisabeth, meaning "God is my oath." "Marie" is a French form of Maria, which is ultimately derived from the Hebrew name ...

#7 Orihime

First name • forenames > orihime

The first name Orihime originates from Japanese mythology. In the myth, Orihime is the weaving princess who falls in love with the cow herder, Hikoboshi. They eventually become sep...

#8 Orimar

First name • forenames > orimar

The origin of the first name Orimar is Spanish.

#9 Oriola

First name • forenames > oriola

The name Oriola is of Latin origin. It is a diminutive form of the female given name Aurora, which means "dawn" in Latin. Aurora has been used as a personal name since ancient Roma...

#10 Oris

First name • forenames > oris

The origin of the first name Oris is uncertain as it does not have a widely recognized or documented origin. It is possible that it could be a variation or phonetic spelling of oth...

#11 Orisel

First name • forenames > orisel

The origin of the first name Orisel is Cuban.

#12 Orison

First name • forenames > orison

The name Orison is of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "orisun" or the Latin word "orationem," both meaning "prayer" or "a spoken prayer or request." The name...

#13 Orisson

First name • forenames > orisson

The name "Orisson" is of English origin. It is likely a variant of the English surname "Morrison", which is derived from the Gaelic name "MacGilliosa", meaning "son of the servant ...

#14 Oriveltto

First name • forenames > oriveltto

The origin of the first name "Oriveltto" is Finnish.

#15 Oriza

First name • forenames > oriza

The name Oriza is of African origin, specifically Yoruba. It means "sparkling" or "radiant."