Oreste is of Italian origin and has a rich history behind it. It means "mountain dweller" in Latin, derived from the Latin word 'orior', which means 'to rise'. This name was borne by several figures in Greek mythology. In Homer's Iliad, Orestes was the son of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. He played a significant role in the story of the House of Atreus, seeking vengeance for his father's murder. The name Oreste also appears in Italian literature, notably in 'Othello' by Shakespeare, where it is used as a given name to one of the characters. Today, Oreste remains a distinctive and historical choice for parents naming their sons in Italy and other countries influenced by Latin culture.
The name Oreste experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the years 1912 to 1987, with a total of 357 births recorded during this period. The highest number of births occurred in 1921 with 17 newborns named Oreste. Conversely, the lowest numbers were recorded in 1932 and 1949, with only 5 births each. There was a notable drop in popularity after the 1960s, with six or fewer births per year from 1963 onwards.