Orpheus Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Orpheus
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ORPHEUS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Orpheus
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
Orpheus is a Greek mythological name representing extraordinary musical talent and poetic inspiration. It evokes the legendary musician who could charm all of nature and whose love story with Eurydice symbolizes devotion that transcends death.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Orpheus
Orpheus
Mythical musician and poet
Legendary musician who could charm all nature with his music; attempted to rescue Eurydice from Hades
Orpheus Roy Buchanan
American guitarist
Influential blues guitarist known as 'The Best Unknown Guitarist in the World'
Orpheus P. Nightingale
Pseudonymous author
Pen name used by Victorian era authors for romantic and gothic literature
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The Orphic mysteries, religious movements based on his teachings, influenced Greek philosophical thought and emphasized concepts of soul purification and reincarnation that predated and influenced Platonic philosophy. Throughout Western culture, the Orpheus myth has served as a foundational narrative about the artist's relationship with death, the supernatural, and the transformative power of creative expression. From Renaissance art to modern opera and theater, his story continues to inspire adaptations that explore the boundaries of love, art, and mortality.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Orpheus are often perceived as deeply artistic, emotionally intense, and spiritually inclined. They tend to possess exceptional creative talents, particularly in music, poetry, or other expressive arts, and have a natural ability to inspire and move others through their work. There's often an air of melancholy or depth to their character, reflecting the tragic elements of the mythological Orpheus.
They may be idealistic romantics who form intense emotional bonds but struggle with trust or hesitation in critical moments. Their artistic sensitivity often comes with heightened intuition and a philosophical nature, making them contemplative individuals who seek deeper meaning in life's experiences. While they can be charismatic and persuasive, they may also exhibit a tendency toward obsession or single-minded devotion to their passions or loved ones, mirroring the mythological Orpheus's determined journey into the underworld.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Orpheus remains an uncommon but culturally significant name choice, typically selected by parents with strong interests in classical mythology, music, or literature. While it has never ranked among popular baby names in English-speaking countries, it maintains a steady presence among families seeking distinctive, meaningful names with artistic and historical resonance. The name has seen slight increases in usage following cultural events like the success of the musical 'Hadestown' or academic interest in classical studies. It's particularly favored in artistic and intellectual circles where its mythological weight and musical associations are appreciated, serving as a statement name that reflects parents' values around creativity, education, and cultural heritage rather than following naming trends.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Orpheus symbolizes the transformative power of art to bridge worlds—between the living and dead, human and divine, rational and emotional. He represents the artist as mediator between different realms of existence, using creative expression to overcome seemingly impossible barriers. The name carries symbolic weight as an emblem of devotion that transcends death itself, while also serving as a cautionary symbol about the fragility of trust and the consequences of looking back. In psychological terms, Orpheus symbolizes the journey into the unconscious and the attempt to retrieve lost aspects of the self through creative work, with his lyre representing harmony imposed on chaos and his severed head continuing to sing symbolizing art's immortality beyond physical destruction.