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Orestes Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Orestes

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ORESTES. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Orestes

Gender

Male

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

2

Meaning of the Name

Orestes is a male Greek name meaning 'from the mountain' or 'mountain dweller.' It evokes imagery of strength, stability, and connection to the natural world, reflecting its classical Greek origins.

Stages of a Male

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

2

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Moon

Positive Nature

Diplomatic, friendly, artistic, empathetic.

Negative Traits

Over-sensitive, moody, indecisive, prone to self-pity.

Lucky Colours

Green, cream, white.

Lucky Days

Monday.

Lucky Stones

Pearl, moonstone.

Harmony Numbers

1, 3, 4.

Best Suited Professions

Diplomats, mediators, caregivers, artists.

What People Like About You

Cooperative spirit, friendliness, artistic talent.

Famous People Named Orestes

Orestes of Macedon

Ancient King

King of Macedon who ruled briefly during the turbulent period after Alexander the Great's death

Orestes Brownson

Philosopher and Essayist

Influential American public intellectual and Catholic convert known for his philosophical writings

Orestes Destrade

Professional Baseball Player

Cuban-American first baseman who played in MLB and became a prominent baseball broadcaster

Orestes Kindelán

Baseball Player

Legendary Cuban baseball slugger considered one of the greatest players in Cuban baseball history

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Orestis Modern Greek Oreste Italian Orest Russian Orešt Czech/Slovak Orestas Lithuanian

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Orestes holds profound significance in Greek mythology as the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, central to one of antiquity's most powerful tragic cycles. His story, immortalized by Aeschylus in the Oresteia trilogy, follows his moral dilemma and eventual matricide to avenge his father's murder, then his purification from this crime and trial in Athens—a narrative that explores themes of justice, vengeance, family loyalty, and the transition from blood feud to civic law. The name became emblematic of filial duty, tragic heroism, and the psychological burden of destiny, influencing Western literature, drama, and psychoanalysis through its deep exploration of guilt, redemption, and the complex interplay between personal morality and divine command.

The cultural impact of Orestes extends beyond ancient Greece, serving as a foundational archetype in Western consciousness. His story has been reinterpreted across centuries in various artistic forms, from Renaissance paintings to modern psychological dramas, consistently representing the human struggle with inherited trauma and moral complexity. The Oresteia's conclusion, where Orestes is acquitted by the first jury trial in Athena's court, symbolizes civilization's progression from cyclical violence to institutional justice, making the name eternally connected to the evolution of legal and ethical systems.

Extended Personality Analysis

Individuals named Orestes are often perceived as intense, principled, and deeply loyal to family and justice, carrying an air of classical gravitas and determination. They may exhibit strong moral convictions and a sense of duty, sometimes struggling with internal conflicts between personal desires and higher obligations, reflecting the mythological Orestes' tragic dilemma. While they can be reserved and introspective, they also possess resilience and a capacity for transformation, often emerging stronger from personal trials with a refined sense of purpose and integrity.

These individuals typically demonstrate intellectual depth and a tendency toward philosophical contemplation, possibly influenced by the name's association with one of literature's most psychologically complex characters. They often show remarkable perseverance in adversity and a commitment to seeing difficult tasks through to completion, regardless of personal cost. The name suggests someone who bears responsibilities seriously and may feel the weight of expectations or legacy, yet possesses the inner strength to navigate moral complexities and emerge with their core values intact, much like their mythological namesake who ultimately found redemption through facing his destiny.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary times, Orestes remains a relatively rare but culturally resonant name, primarily used in Greek communities and by parents seeking classical names with deep literary and historical roots. While it has never reached mainstream popularity charts in English-speaking countries, it experiences periodic revivals among those appreciating Greek mythology and classical education. The name maintains a steady, though modest, presence in Greece and among diaspora communities, often chosen for its strong historical connections and distinctive, intellectual quality rather than following naming trends. Its usage reflects a preference for meaningful, timeless names over fashionable ones, appealing particularly to families with classical education backgrounds or interests in ancient history and literature.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Orestes represents the eternal struggle between duty and morality, embodying the concept of necessary transgression for the sake of justice and order. The name evokes themes of purification through suffering, the weight of ancestral curses, and the transition from primitive vengeance to civilized justice. Metaphorically, it signifies the journey from darkness to enlightenment, the burden of legacy, and the possibility of redemption through facing one's deepest moral challenges and accepting responsibility for difficult choices. The name carries connotations of transformation and catharsis, suggesting that through confronting and overcoming profound ethical dilemmas, one can achieve a higher state of understanding and personal integrity.

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