The name Arion has its origins in Ancient Greek mythology and literature. It is derived from the Greek word "Arion," which means "the melodious one" or "the singer." The name is most closely associated with the semi-legendary ancient Greek poet and musician Arion of Lesbos, who lived around the 7th century BCE.

According to the ancient Greek writer Herodotus, Arion was a court musician and poet in the service of Periander, the ruler of Corinth. He is credited with inventing the dithyramb, an ancient Greek hymn sung in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. The story of Arion's miraculous rescue by a dolphin after being thrown overboard by sailors is one of the most famous legends from ancient Greek literature.

The name Arion appears in various ancient Greek texts, including the works of Herodotus, Aelian, and Ovid's Fasti. In the Middle Ages, the name Arion was occasionally used as a symbolic representation of poetry and music in allegorical works.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Arion was Arion of Methymna, a Greek lyric poet who lived in the 7th century BCE. Another notable figure was Arion of Lesbos, the aforementioned semi-legendary poet and musician from the same period.

In the Renaissance period, the name Arion was occasionally used by artists and scholars as a pseudonym or pen name. One such example is the Italian poet and playwright Arione Dolce (1508-1568), whose real name was Giovanni Francesco Arrivabene.

During the 19th century, the name Arion gained some popularity in Germany and other parts of Europe, likely due to the influence of classical literature and the Romantic movement. One notable bearer of the name from this era was Arion Roβmäßler (1806-1867), a German naturalist and malacologist (a scholar of mollusks).

Another historical figure with the name Arion was Arion, the Sicilian flautist and inventor of the hydraulic organ, who lived in the 3rd century BCE. While not much is known about his life, his innovations in music and engineering were significant contributions to ancient Greek culture.