Contribute your knowledge to the name Orion

Comments and insights on the name Orion: | Edit

A lot of people (esp. those from the commonwealth) pronounce it Or-ri-an -- subtle but it helps people understand the name on first hearing a little better.

We live in an area with a large Irish population, many people hear the name as O'Ryan. We chose the name because it sounded strong, and had a meaning, and mythology to it. Orion was also chosen because we felt it was unique without being bizarre.

Personal experiences with the name Orion: | Edit

My stepson is named Orion. I wouldn't have chosen it myself, but I have come to like it. My husband and I call him Rion (pronounced Ryan), so he can go by something more conventional-sounding if he wants to. At this point though (he's 8), he prefers to be called Orion by friends and teachers.

My grandfather's middle name was Orien, with the accent on the first syllable. Similar enough to go along with the mythological aspects, but unique on its own and not mistakable for O'Ryan, as someone else mentioned.

My 3-year-old son is named Orion. I can't believe the number of people who pronounce it OR-ee-on! My husband and I never would have dreamed we would have that issue. People also hear it as O'Ryan, which is slightly annoying, but not nearly as bothersome as the mispronunciation.

My son gets called, "Orrin".

Nicknames for Orion: | Edit

O
O-Ry
O-ee
Rion
Ry
RyRy

Meanings and history of the name Orion: | Edit

"Dweller on the Mountain" - Greek
"Dawn, east" - Latin
"Son of fire, son of light" - Greek
"Light of Heaven" - Akkadian

This name also means, "urine," or, "water bringer". This is attributed to the way that Orion was born in Greek mythology. A sacrificial bull's hide which the Gods (Zeus, Hermes and in some stories, Poseidon) urinated on was buried for nine months and Orion was born.

Famous real-life people named Orion: | Edit

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) had an older brother named Orion.

Orion Noth is the son of Chris Noth, Mr. Big actor on Sex and the City.

Orion in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Orion," an instrumental song by Metallica.
Orion Galerinius, a character in the novel "Stones of my Accusers" by Tracy Groot.
Orion, warrior-god of Jack Kirby's New Gods comic book series
Orion Black, the father of Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling