The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on 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.

Nicknames for Orion: | Edit

O
O-Ry
O-ee
Rion
Ry

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

Famous real-life people named Orion: | Edit

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

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.