What does Ulysses mean and where does it come from?
The name Ulysses derives from the Greek name 'Odysseus' (Ὀδυσσεύς), noted for its association with Homer’s epic poem, the 'Odyssey'. Although traditionally male, it has seen some contemporary use as a female name. The name reflects themes of adventure and resilience. Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th Presi
Cultural significance
Ulysses has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wrathful.
Peak popularity
Reached #4244 in 1933 — currently #1195 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ulysses?
Ulysses works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ulysses Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ulysses Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ulysses Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ulysses Claire
French influence · crisp
Ulysses Jane
Literary · strong
Ulysses Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ulysses right now?
Falling — down 77 spots — currently #1195 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1195 | 169 | ▼ down 77 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #1118 | 191 | ▲ up 15 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1133 | 180 | — |
The story of Ulysses
Ulysses entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. A total of 17,811 babies have received this name. Ulysses is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ulysses in 1933:
Ulysses by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 241 | |
| 1890s | 310 | |
| 1900s | 294 | |
| 1910s | 1,182 | |
| 1920s | 1,844 | |
| 1930s | 1,454 | |
| 1940s | 1,559 | |
| 1950s | 1,650 | |
| 1960s | 1,287 | |
| 1970s | 1,100 | |
| 1980s | 1,355 | |
| 1990s | 1,743 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,883 | |
| 2010s | 1,721 | |
| 2020s | 188 | |
What are good nicknames for Ulysses?
What names sound and feel like Ulysses?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ulysses also consider these
How is Ulysses written in other languages?
Gender variants of Ulysses
Common questions about the name Ulysses
What does the name Ulysses mean?
Ulysses means "wrathful" — 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 Ulysses?
Ulysses is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Ulysses?
Ulysses 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 Ulysses?
Ulysses is a three-syllable name pronounced Y UW0 L IH1 S IY0 Z. 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 Ulysses?
Ulysses 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.