Orion: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced uh-RY-uhn · 3 syllables
Orion means “heaven's light”, from Greek and English and Latin.
From Middle English Orioun, from Latin Orion, from Ancient Greek (Orion), speculatively from Akkadian (Uru-anna, “heaven's light”), though without any firm evidence.
- Meaning
- heaven's light
- Origin
- Greek, English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- uh-RY-uhn
- US rank (2025)
- #334
- US babies a year
- about 1,031 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Mythic
How popular is Orion?
Orion was the #334 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,030 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #334 |
| England & Wales | #426 |
| Scotland | #711 |
| Ireland | #639 |
| France | #602 |
| Canada | #425 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Orion?
Half of US adults named Orion are older than 26; most are between 18 and 52. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Orion
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Orion
What does the name Orion mean?
Orion means “heaven's light”. It comes from Greek and English and Latin.
How do you pronounce Orion?
Orion is pronounced uh-RY-uhn.
How popular is the name Orion?
Orion was the #334 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,030 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Orion?
Half of US adults named Orion are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 52.