Sirius

Meaning of Sirius

Sirius derives from the ancient Greek seirios, “glowing” or “scorching,” originally denoting the sky’s brightest star, often called the “Dog Star” for its mythological role as Orion’s celestial hound. In Latin usage as SIHR-ee-oos (/ˈsɪriʊs/) and in English as SIR-ee-us (/ˈsɪriəs/), the name bears the linguistic precision prized by both astronomers and classicists. Its modern adoption remains modest: in the United States, annual rankings have hovered in the 800s since the early 2000s, peaking at 803rd in 1999 and most recently placing 874th in 2024 with 50 recorded births. Also appearing in contemporary fiction—most notably as the loyal Animagus in the Harry Potter series—Sirius offers parents a choice that bridges classical heritage and scientific resonance. While it may not eclipse more popular names in birth statistics, Sirius provides a distinct luminosity that appeals to those seeking a technically grounded, culturally resonant name.