"hunter, rising in the sky"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Orion
Pronunciation: [ ohr-EYE-uhn ]
Does Orion flow with your last name?
A celestial hunter's name lighting up the sky
American
English
Greek
Bold
Unique
Earthy
Strong
Whimsical
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Meaning & Origin
"boundary, limit"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Orion
Orion comes from Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant hunter placed among the stars by Zeus. The name likely derives from the Greek word for 'boundary' or possibly a pre-Greek word meaning 'mountain man.' While traditionally male, Orion has increasingly crossed gender boundaries as parents seek powerful celestial names for daughters.
Orion for girls began gaining traction in the 2010s as unisex space-themed names surged in popularity. The constellation's beauty and the name's strong, singular sound made it appealing to parents seeking something bold but established.
In Greek mythology, Orion was one of the greatest hunters who ever lived, transformed into a constellation after his death. For girls, the name carries connotations of celestial power and adventurous spirit.
Historical Record
Orion first appeared in US Social Security records in 1991.
Over 607 babies have been named Orion in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Orion is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,389 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Orion constellation is one of the most recognizable in the night sky, visible from almost every location on Earth
- Orion appears in Homer's Odyssey and Iliad as a legendary hunter
Orion in Other Languages
Greek
Ωρίων
Arabic
أوريون
French
Orion
Italian
Orione
Spanish
Orión
Popularity Over Time
#4,389
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Orion with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,389
- Total SSA Count
- 32
- Cultural Origins
- American English Greek
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ori
Rio
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Orion
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Orion is also used as a boy name, ranked #326.
View Orion as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Orion
What does the name Orion mean?
"hunter, rising in the sky" (from Greek). "boundary, limit" (from Ancient Greek). Orion comes from Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant hunter placed among the stars by Zeus. The name likely derives from the Greek word for 'boundary' or possibly a pre-Greek word meaning 'mountain man.' While traditionally male, Orion has increasingly crossed gender boundaries as parents seek powerful celestial names for daughters.
What is the origin of the name Orion?
Orion has Greek, Ancient Greek, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "hunter, rising in the sky". In Ancient Greek, it means "boundary, limit".
Is Orion a boy or girl name?
Orion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4389. As a boy name, it is ranked #326. Orion is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Orion?
Orion is pronounced ohr-EYE-uhn.
How popular is the name Orion?
Orion is currently ranked #4389 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Orion?
Common nicknames for Orion include Ori and Rio.
What are good middle names for Orion?
Popular middle name pairings include Orion Mae, Orion Grace, Orion Lee, Orion Jade, Orion Rose, Orion Faye, and Orion Claire.
What are good sibling names for Orion?
Names that pair well with Orion as siblings include Atlas, Lyra, Cassian, Vesper, Nova, Orion, and Thea.
How many syllables does Orion have?
Orion has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Orion a common or rare name?
Orion is an uncommon name, ranked #4389 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Orion
Orion is a girl name with American, English, and Greek origins . The name means "hunter, rising in the sky" in Greek .
Is Orion a boy or girl name? Orion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,389 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #326. Orion is more commonly used as a boy name.
Orion is currently ranked #4,389 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Orion has 3 syllables and is pronounced ohr-EYE-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Orion include Ori and Rio. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis