The first name Orpheus
A boy’s name from Greek meaning “orphan”.
Pronounced /ˈɔɹ.fi.əs/ 3 syllables Male
Meaning and origin
Greek origin
Orpheus means “orphan” in Greek.
From Ancient Greek Ὀρφεύς (Orpheús), built from an uncertain root with the -εύς (-eús) suffix. Perhaps root-cognate to Ancient Greek ὀρφανός (orphanós, “orphan”).
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 5 boys were named Orpheus, making it the 3,684th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2024, with 5 births (#3,688).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Orpheus with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Orpheus at birth, 1880–2025
In 2024, 5 boys born in the United States were named Orpheus, the 13,719th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1968, when 11 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Orpheus in other languages
Equivalent forms of the name, from Wiktionary
Nicknames and spellings
Nicknames for Orpheus
- Orphic
More Greek boys’ names
Questions
- What does the name Orpheus mean?
- Orpheus means “orphan” in Greek.
- What is the origin of the name Orpheus?
- From Ancient Greek Ὀρφεύς (Orpheús), built from an uncertain root with the -εύς (-eús) suffix. Perhaps root-cognate to Ancient Greek ὀρφανός (orphanós, “orphan”).
- How popular is the name Orpheus?
- In 2025, 5 boys born in England and Wales were named Orpheus, ranking 3,684th. Its peak was 2024, with 5 births.
- What are nicknames for Orpheus?
- Common nicknames for Orpheus include Orphic.
- When was Orpheus most popular?
- 1968 in the United States, when 11 babies were named Orpheus, its highest rank at 2,688th.
- How do you pronounce Orpheus?
- Orpheus is /ˈɔɹ.fi.əs/, 3 syllables.