Osiris

Meaning & origin

Osiris is the name of the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility, one of the most prominent deities in Egyptian mythology. As a given name, it has seen modern usage since the 1970s, with the first recorded U.S. birth in 1970. Its popularity has been steadily rising, particularly since 1987, and it reached its peak rank in 2020. In 2025, Osiris ranked 1075th in the U.S., with an estimated 1 in 8,540 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has shown particular appeal in states such as Nevada, Arkansas, and Massachusetts, where it has ranked higher than nationally. While the exact meaning remains debated, Osiris carries powerful mythological associations that have attracted parents seeking a name with ancient gravitas and a distinctive sound.

Osiris is the Greek form of an ancient Egyptian name, likely derived from the god's epithet Wsjr, possibly meaning 'the Mighty One' or 'the Powerful One'. In Egyptian mythology, Osiris was the god of the afterlife, death, and resurrection, one of the most important deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. The name gained modern use as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, likely inspired by his mythic associations.