What does Odysseus mean and where does it come from?
Odysseus (Οδυσσέας) is a well-known figure from Greek mythology, the protagonist of Homer's epic 'Odyssey', which narrates his long journey home after the Trojan War. The name itself is believed to have connections to the Greek word 'odyssomai', meaning 'to be angry' or 'wrathful', and relates to th
Cultural significance
Odysseus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to be angry.
Peak popularity
Reached #2870 in 2025 — currently #2870 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Odysseus?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Odysseus?
Odysseus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Odysseus Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Odysseus John
One syllable · timeless choice
Odysseus Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Odysseus Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Odysseus Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Odysseus Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Odysseus right now?
Rising fast — up 277 spots — currently #2870 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2870 | 44 | ▲ up 277 · +13% births |
| 2024 | #3147 | 39 | ▲ up 1695 · +86% births |
| 2023 | #4842 | 21 | ▼ down 1802 · -49% births |
| 2022 | #3040 | 41 | ▲ up 119 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #3159 | 38 | ▼ down 268 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #2891 | 41 | ▲ up 1482 · +78% births |
| 2015 | #4373 | 23 | ▲ up 3598 · +130% births |
| 2010 | #7971 | 10 | ▲ up 2179 · +67% births |
| 2000 | #10150 | 6 | — |
The story of Odysseus
Odysseus is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 339 total births recorded, Odysseus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10150 in 2000 to #4842 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Odysseus in 2025:
Odysseus by decade
Odysseus peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 47 | |
| 2010s ★ | 245 | |
| 2020s | 124 | |
💎Odysseus has only 339 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Odysseus?
What names sound and feel like Odysseus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Odysseus also consider these
How is Odysseus written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Odysseus?
Common questions about the name Odysseus
What does the name Odysseus mean?
Odysseus means "to be angry" — 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 Odysseus?
Odysseus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Odysseus?
Odysseus 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 Odysseus?
Odysseus is a four-syllable name pronounced oh-DIS-ee-us. 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 Odysseus?
Odysseus 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.