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 #325 in 2024 — currently #334 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Orion?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Orion John
One syllable · timeless choice
Orion Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Orion Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Orion Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Orion Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Orion right now?
Declining — down 9 spots — currently #334 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #334 | 1,012 | ▼ down 9 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #325 | 1,065 | ▲ up 48 · +23% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Orion by decade
Orion peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 3,154 | |
What are good nicknames for Orion?
What names sound and feel like Orion?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Orion also consider these
How is Orion written in other languages?
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 aw-REYE-un. 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.