Oreste

Oreste is a masculine given name used in Italian-speaking contexts. It is the Italian form of Orestes, a figure from Greek mythology, and is sometimes used as a surname in modern times. The name itself derives from the ancient Greek Ορέστης (Orestēs), traditionally associated with the hero Orestes, son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.

In myth, Orestes is best known for avenging his father’s murder by killing his mother, with the aid of his sister Electra and the god Apollo. His pursuit by the Erinyes (Furies) and his eventual trial, culminating in the intervention of Athena, is a central theme of ancient Greek drama. Orestes appears in plays from the classical period, including works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

Today, Oreste is used primarily as a given name in Italy, where it has historical and cultural associations with classical antiquity. In addition to its mythological resonance, the name has appeared in Italian literature, film, and music, reflecting the broader reception of Greek myth in Italian culture. Variants include Orestes in other languages.