The ancient Egyptians called Orion Sah, which means "the one who traverses" or "the one who crosses." This name reflects the constellation's apparent movement across the night sky.

They also associated Orion with Osiris, the god of the underworld and resurrection. This connection stemmed from the fact that Orion's rising coincided with the flooding of the Nile River, which was seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth.