Find out how popular the first name Orpheus has been for the last 13 years (from 1975 to 1987) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Orpheus by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Orpheus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1987, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Orpheus.

The history of the first name Orpheus

The name Orpheus has its origins in ancient Greek mythology and literature. It is derived from the Greek word "orphanos," meaning "orphan" or "desolate." The name is associated with the legendary musician, poet, and prophet Orpheus, who is a major figure in Greek mythology.

Orpheus was the son of the Thracian king Oeagrus and the Muse Calliope. He was renowned for his exceptional musical skills and his ability to charm all living things with his lyre. The most famous story about Orpheus is his descent into the underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, after her untimely death.

The name Orpheus first appeared in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of poets such as Pindar and Euripides. It was also mentioned in the "Argonautica" by Apollonius of Rhodes, which recounts the myth of the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece, with Orpheus as one of the crew members.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Orpheus. One of the earliest was Orpheus of Croton, a Greek philosopher and poet who lived in the 6th century BCE. Another was Orpheus of Byzantium, a grammarian and philosopher who lived in the 4th century CE.

In the realm of music, Orpheus Caledonius was a 15th-century Scottish composer and poet. Orpheus Woodhouse was an English composer and organist who lived in the 17th century and wrote several works for the church.

More recently, Orpheus M. Kern was an American architect and urban planner who was born in 1888 and made significant contributions to the design of public spaces in New York City.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have carried the name Orpheus throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and disciplines, reflecting the enduring legacy of this ancient Greek name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Orpheus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Orpheus, please contact us.

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