Orion

“Greek”

Greece origin · Unisex name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#373US 2023

867Births / yr

↓Falling

18.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191700

How to pronounce Orion

aw·REYE·un

/ɔ.ˈraɪ.ən/ · stress on REYE · 3 syllables

“Greek”

Greece origin · Unisex name

What does Orion mean and where does it come from?

The name Orion is derived from Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant huntsman whom Zeus placed among the stars as the constellation of Orion. Although today Orion is commonly perceived as a male name, its usage as a female name has been growing in contemporary contexts. The name evokes images of

Cultural significance

Orion has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #4122 in 2018 — currently #373 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Orion?

Orion works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Orion Grace

How popular is Orion right now?

Declining — down 41 spots — currently #373 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#373 · Top 0.28%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#373	867	▼ down 41 · -15% births
2022	#332	1,020	▼ down 18 · -3% births
2021	#314	1,053	▲ up 4540 · +3950% births
2020	#4854	26	▲ up 978 · +18% births
2015	#5832	22	▲ up 2872 · +69% births
2010	#8704	13	▼ down 365
2005	#8339	13	▼ down 1524 · -13% births
2000	#6815	15	▲ up 3733 · +114% births
1995	#10548	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Orion

Best Year2021Rank #314

Peak Count1,053

Average Rank#5123

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Orion

Orion entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. A total of 18,544 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10548 in 1995 to #373 in 2023. Orion is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.

Names that peaked alongside Orion in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Orion by decade

Orion peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	34
1890s	49
1900s	37
1910s	197
1920s	281
1930s	154
1940s	121
1950s	84
1960s	82
1970s	500
1980s	733
1990s	1,940
2000s	4,503
2010s ★	8,802
2020s	1,027

What are good nicknames for Orion?

Common

OriOrOrieOry

What names sound and feel like Orion?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Orion also consider these

Dorion

Greece · from the sea

Orison

American · English

Ozion

Hebrew · my strength; a

Orton

England · from the shore

Morion

Spanish · Spanish

Zorion

Basque Country · Happiness or joy

Korion

American · a blend of

Corion

Latin · spear, warlike

How is Orion written in other languages?

Ωριων

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Orion

What does the name Orion mean?

Orion means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Orion?

Orion is currently ranked #373 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Orion?

Orion originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Orion?

Orion is a three-syllable name pronounced AO0 R AY1 AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Orion?

Orion pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.