Orchid. From the Greek orchis, a testicle, which the root of this plant resembles.
Oregon. From the Spanish Oregano, “wild majorum,” which grows abundantly in this state.
Orellana. The original name of the “Amazon” River, after its navigator.
Oriel College. This college at Oxford was built in 1326 by Adam de Brome, the Almoner of Edward II., and called by him St Mary’s College. A few years later Edward III. added to its revenues a rich messuage hard by known as “Le Oriel,” from which circumstance the foundation received the name which it now bears.
Orinoco. Indian for “coiling snake.”
Orion Horne. One of the sobriquets of Richard Horne, author of “Orion,” which acquired an exceptional notoriety on account of its being published at the low price of one farthing.
Orkney Isles. Under the name of Orcades these are mentioned by the ancient geographers. Orkney is Gaelic for “Isle of Whales.”
Orleans. A corruption of Aureliani, after the Roman Emperor Aurelian.
Orloff Diamond. This gem, weighing 194 carats, and purchased by Catherine II. of Russia in 1775, preserves the family name of that Empress.
Orme Square. After the name of a printseller of Bond Street who bought the land and built upon it.