Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Orion
BoyGreek· “name of a mythological hunter”
- Meaning
- name of a mythological hunter (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- oh-RY-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #334
- US babies 2025
- 1,012
- Best rank
- #300 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Orion
Orion is often said to mean “name of a mythological hunter”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Orion is a giant hunter in Greek mythology who, according to several stories, was placed among the stars after his death. The constellation that bears his name, with its three-star belt, is one of the most recognizable in the night sky and is visible from almost everywhere on Earth. The origin of the name itself is uncertain; it may come from a Greek word or from an older, non-Greek source. As a given name, Orion combines myth, astronomy and a strong, modern sound. It has become more popular in the United States, and Ori is a friendly nickname.
Popularity over time
Orion has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1887. Its best national rank was #300 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,152 babies. In 2025, 1,012 babies were named Orion, and it ranked #334 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,269 in 1920, #2,540 in 1950, #1,173 in 1980, #554 in 2000, #467 in 2010, and #334 in 2025. Of the 23,120 US boys named Orion since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 6,039 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Gideon, Prince, Kane, Major, and Daxton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Orion ranked highest in Oregon, Alaska, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #126 | 33 |
| Alaska | #135 | 7 |
| New Mexico | #158 | 13 |
| District of Columbia | #193 | 5 |
| Colorado | #195 | 36 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Orion over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Orion is usually pronounced oh-RY-uhn, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with O and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Orion
A few middle names that flow with Orion: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Orion
Similar names
Apollo Boy
uh-PAH-loh
Greek
#445
Remington Unisex
REM-ing-tuhn
“from an English place name” · English
#307
Jayson Boy
JAY-suhn
“variant of Jason, 'healer'” · Greek
#700
Jason Boy
JAY-suhn
“healer” · Greek
#165
Phoenix Unisex
FEE-niks
“mythical firebird; dark red” · Greek
#329
Adonis Boy
uh-DAH-nis
“lord” · Greek
#241
Atticus Boy
AT-ih-kuhs
“of Attica” · Latin
#281
Ares Boy
AIR-eez
Greek
#290
Jaxon Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#115
Jaxson Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#156
Greyson Boy
GRAY-suhn
“son of the steward” · English
#149
Harrison Boy
HEH-rih-suhn
“son of Harry” · English
#116
Lists that include Orion
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Orion mean?
Orion is often said to mean “name of a mythological hunter”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Orion?
Orion has Greek roots. Orion is a giant hunter in Greek mythology who, according to several stories, was placed among the stars after his death.
Is Orion a popular name?
Yes. Orion ranked #334 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Orion a boy or girl name?
Orion is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Orion over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Orion?
Orion is usually pronounced oh-RY-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings