Meaning: Its source is a Greek expression meaning "Beautiful voice."

Languages: This boy's name is used in Italian.

Narrative: The meaning of this name is uncertain.

In Greek mythology, Orpheus was given his lyre by Apollo himself. Trained by the Muses, he developed into a musician so talented he could literally move mountains with his song.

When his wife, Eurydice, died from a snake bite, he refused to accept her fate. He descended into the realm of the dead to win her back to life.

Hades and Persephone, hell's royalty, were so moved by his music that they consented to Eurydice's return on the condition that Orpheus precede her, and refrain from looking back at her until the end of their journey. The tragedy of his gallant failure (as retold in media ranging from poetry to grand opera to film) has moved worldwide audiences throughout the ages.