Orion

At a Glance

Meaning

Uncertain; possibly 'heaven's light' (a speculative Akkadian derivation, not firmly established)

Origin

Ancient Greek (etymology uncertain)

Gender

Boy

Pronunciation

oh-RY-unListen

Orion traces back to Ancient Greek, though its precise origin remains uncertain. You may have heard it means "hunter" — but that's really describing the mythological hunter and constellation, not the word's actual root, which some tie (speculatively) to an Akkadian phrase for "heaven's light." It's pronounced oh-RY-un, and it has a vintage feel.

Meaning & Origin of Orion

Meaning: Uncertain; possibly 'heaven's light' (a speculative Akkadian derivation, not firmly established).

Origin: Ancient Greek (etymology uncertain).

A common claim: Orion is widely said to mean 'hunter,' referencing the mythological hunter and constellation. Actually: 'Hunter' isn't an etymological meaning — it describes the mythological figure, not the word's origin, which is actually uncertain (a speculative Akkadian 'heaven's light' derivation remains unproven).

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Orion

Popularity of Orion

Orion hit its peak popularity in 2018 at #300, with 1,152 baby boys given the name that year; by 2024 it had slipped a bit to #325, with 1,061 boys named Orion.

Names Like Orion

These names share Orion’s style, era or origin.

• Alexander
• Dennis
• Eugene
• Kostas
• Myron
• Peter

FAQ

What does the name Orion mean?

Uncertain; possibly ‘heaven’s light’ (a speculative Akkadian derivation, not firmly established). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Orion?

Orion is pronounced oh-RY-un (IPA: /oʊˈraɪən/).

Is Orion a popular name right now?

Orion is near its all-time peak (#300 in 2018), ranked #325 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Orion Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Orion, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.