Orion Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Orion originates from Greek mythology, meaning 'rising in the sky' or 'a hunter'. It evolved through various languages, maintaining its connection to the celestial figure. The name is associated with strength and adventure, and it has no biblical relevance. Its usage has increased due to cultural representations in astronomy and media.
The name Orion is most popular in Alaska, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Orion has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Orion' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1360th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1818th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3019th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1382nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1017th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 542nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 336th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15798th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7473rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4869th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Orion' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Orion"
Pronunciation
/əˈraɪən/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
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.
Meaning
Rising in the sky, a hunter
Language Evolution
Ancient Greek: Ὠρίων (Oríon), Latin: Orion, Old French: Orion, Modern English: Orion
Historical Usage
The name Orion gained popularity due to its association with the constellation, especially during the Renaissance when interest in astronomy and mythology surged.
Variants & Derivatives
Orione, Ori, Ory
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Orion is often seen as a strong and adventurous name, associated with exploration and the cosmos. Its use in popular culture, particularly in science fiction and fantasy, has contributed to its modern appeal.
Famous People
Orion Samuelson, American agricultural broadcaster, Orion Pictures, a film production company
Explore More Orion Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Orion"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Orion"
"Orion" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1360th of 7545 | 455 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1818th of 6773 | 288 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3019th of 7552 | 143 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1382nd of 10718 | 619 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1017th of 16616 | 1,580 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 542nd of 24088 | 7,125 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 336th of 23106 | 11,798 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15798th of 27321 | 35 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7473rd of 35406 | 241 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4869th of 30306 | 331 |
Regional Popularity of "Orion" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
81.94% 1130th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
73.67% 1139th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
58.63% 1722nd/2937 |
- |
54.72% 1925th/3518 |
21.24% 859th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
37.18% 1370th/3685 |
35.35% 1582nd/4475 |
25.63% 1331st/5194 |
12.49% 789th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.44% 570th/4582 |
12.20% 630th/5164 |
9.65% 706th/7313 |
5.24% 391st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.61% 383rd/3984 |
7.69% 345th/4487 |
6.22% 424th/6822 |
4.02% 252nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Orion" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
83.68% 6245th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
92.70% 6324th/6822 |
58.24% 3655th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Orion"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Orion" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.