For decades, Ulysses was one of the top baby names for boys in the United States, but it fell out of favor around the start of the 21st century. We think it's set for a comeback. It's a literary name, the name of a president, and the subject of an epic poem from Ancient Greece. It's also one of the few common names that start with the letter “U,” which sets it apart.
Meaning of the name Ulysses:
Latin: Wrathful
Origin of the name Ulysses:
Ulysses is the Latin version of the Greek name Odysseus. It was most likely derived from the Greek word “odyssesthai,” which means “wrathful” or “to hate.”
Symbolism of the name Ulysses:
While Ulysses doesn't have a very pleasant or symbolic meaning, its use throughout history may provide it with some symbolism. For example, the name rose to popularity after the Civil War as a symbol of President Ulysses S. Grant's bravery. In Homer's epic Greek poem “The Odyssey,” Ulysses is often seen as a clever man.
Style of the name Ulysses:
Classic
Gender of the name Ulysses:
Ulysses is a boy's name.
Pronunciation of the name Ulysses:
you-LISS-ees
Number of syllables in the name Ulysses:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Ulysses:
The baby name Ulysses evokes images of someone who is inventive and a great friend.
Alternative spellings for the name Ulysses:
N/A
Nicknames for the name Ulysses:
- Ulie
- Ollie
- Lys
Popularity of the name Ulysses:
According to the Social Security Administration, Ulysses was a top 1,000 baby name for boys in the United States up until the early 2000s. It was most popular in 1907 when it ranked at number 365. It last ranked in 2005 at number 983.
Related names for the name Ulysses:
- Odysseus
- Moses
- Constantine
- Ignatius
- Cornelius
Great middle names for Ulysses and their meanings:
- Murphy (sea warrior)
- James (supplanter)
- Micah (who is like God?)
- Carter (transporter of goods)
- Cole (swarthy, black)
- Jaden (God has heard)
- Kyle (narrow, straight)
- Tyler (tile maker)
- George (farmer)
Famous people with the name Ulysses:
- Ulysses Brown (baseball player)
- Ulysses Llanez (soccer player)
- Ulysses Cuadra (actor)
- Ulysses Livingston (musician)
- Ulysses Doubleday (army general)
Ulysses in popular culture:
- Ulysses Bloodstone (Marvel Comics character)
- Ulysses(character in the book “The Master Mind of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs)
- Ulysses Klau aka Klaw (Marvel Comics character)
- Ulysses (character in the video game Fallout: New Vegas's Lonesome Road)
- UlyssesMcGill (character in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou”)