What does Ithaca mean and where does it come from?
Ithaca is derived from the ancient Greek island known as the home of Odysseus from Homer's epic, the Odyssey. The name is not commonly used but has seen a rise in popularity in modern contexts, especially in the United States, partly due to academic influence, such as Ithaca College in New York. The
Cultural significance
Ithaca has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #18164 in 2017 — currently #1617 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ithaca?
Ithaca works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ithaca Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ithaca Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ithaca Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ithaca Claire
French influence · crisp
Ithaca Jane
Literary · strong
Ithaca Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ithaca right now?
Holding steady — currently #1617 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1617 | 583 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1622 | 563 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1627 | 533 | — |
The story of Ithaca
Ithaca is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2017. With 5 total births recorded, Ithaca remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1627 in 2021 to #1617 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ithaca in 2017:
💎Ithaca has only 5 total recorded births since 2017 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ithaca?
What names sound and feel like Ithaca?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ithaca also consider these
Common questions about the name Ithaca
What does the name Ithaca mean?
Ithaca means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ithaca?
Ithaca is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ithaca?
Ithaca originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ithaca?
Ithaca is a three-syllable name pronounced IH1 TH AH0 K AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Ithaca?
Ithaca pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.