Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Orion
Orion is a name we get from Greek mythology but you might also know it better as the starry constellation. In any case, the two are intertwined. In ancient Greek mythology Orion was a huntsman of gigantic proportions whom Zeus placed in the sky (hence the constellation). There are varying legends of Orion since Greek mythology was essentially a set of oral narratives recounted and passed down for centuries before the written word and organized religion came into play. Therefore, as with many mythological legends, there are varying accounts of Orion. He was generally recognized as a hunter and a hero. Orion was said to be hunting with Artemis (goddess of the hunt) and her mother Leto (a benevolent maternal goddess). Orion offended Leto when he threatened to hunt down and kill every animal and beast on Earth, and so she sent a giant scorpion to sting him in the heel, thus killing him. Upon Orion’s death, Leto asked her former husband Zeus (god of all gods) to place the wayward hunter in the sky among the stars. Zeus complied, but he also placed the scorpion among the constellations to venerate the hero hunter. These two opponents, Orion and the Scorpion, are positioned on opposite sides of the sky. The Scorpion rises as Orion starts to sink into the other side of the sky, and this was seen as Orion running away from his attacker. Located near the equator, the constellation Orion (also called The Hunter) is visible throughout the world (both northern and southern hemispheres). The easiest way to locate the constellation in the night sky is by first indentifying “Orion’s Belt” which is discernible by three bright stars in a row. The brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, is also sometimes called “Orion’s Dog”, the pooch who apparently accompanied Orion on his many hunts. The etymology of the name Orion is uncertain. It comes from the Greek “Ὠρίων” which may have been borrowed from a now-defunct Assyrian-Babylonian language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia. In this case, the name would be derived from “Uru-anna” which means ‘the Light of Heaven.’ See literary references below for more information on Orion.
All About the Baby Name – Orion
Personality
OF THE BOY NAME ORION
The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done. They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.
Popularity
OF THE BOY NAME ORION
Orion is definitely an exotic name, but it does date back to the 19th century in America. In the late 1800s, Orion was on the charts now and again, but at extremely low levels of popularity that he was barely detectable. By the turn of the 20th century in 1900, the name dropped completely from sight. Orion appeared on the charts again once in the 1970s and once in the 80s, but was never given to more than 100 babies a year making it quite uncommon. Finally, in 1994 this bright constellation reappeared on and stuck to the charts. In the past almost 20 years, Orion has advanced a remarkable 500+ positions on the charts. His popularity is still moderately low, but he’s at the peak of his game right now. American parents are now more than ever embracing these unusual and therefore unique names. Orion is still a rare choice, but it’s embedded in ancient and classical storytelling making him both intellectual and enchanting. We like the “Heaven’s light” etymology best, particularly since your son is the light of your heavens. By conjuring up the mighty Giant-Hunter of mythology, we also see this name as one of strength and courage, keeping the heavens and other constellations safe. The starry Orion is most visible to those of us residing in the Northern Hemisphere in the winter months making it an interesting name choice for winter babies. Or if your baby is born under the sun sign Scorpio, you could use this name to balance things out.
Quick Facts
ON ORION
GENDER:
Boy
ORIGIN:
Greek
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
3
RANKING POPULARITY:
399
PRONUNCIATION:
o-RYE-әn
SIMPLE MEANING:
Heaven's light
Characteristics
OF ORION
