Orion

Orion is a boy’s name of Greek origin, meaning “light of the heavens" or "the light of heaven.” If you think of your child as a shining star, consider this celestial name, pulled right out of the sky. In Greek mythology, Orion is a mighty hunter and the son of Poseidon, who was placed among the stars as the constellation of Orion by Zeus. Today, Orion is considered one of the most recognizable and brightest constellations in the night sky. The name sports a scientific yet mysterious edge, making it a stellar choice if you’re practical and romantic. In case you're worried about correcting people's pronunciation, The Bump member canarygirl assures: "Orion is a very old name rooted in Greek mythology that is also the name of a pretty well-known constellation," so it shouldn't happen too often.

Fun Facts About the Name Orion

• Older than Ancient Greece: While the name comes to us from the Greek Ōríōn, some linguists trace its roots to the ancient Akkadian/Babylonian term Uru-anna, which is where we get its meaning from.
• A legendary hunter: The name was immortalized by the Greek poet Homer in the 8th century BCE, appearing in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, where Orion is described as a giant, noble hunter of physical splendor.
• Orion's modern popularity: According to official Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as of 2025, Orion reached its all-time high ranking in 2018 at #300.
• Orion's place in American history: Ever heard of Orion Clemens (1825–1897)? He was the first and only Secretary of the Nevada Territory and a key political figure in early western American history. He is perhaps best remembered as the older brother of Samuel Clemens—aka Mark Twain.