Odysseus

Pronunciation: [ ohd-IHS-ee-uhs ]

Boy Name #3,134 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

Homer's greatest hero — a name that carries an epic

Greek Classical English

Literary Bold Classic Strong Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"wrathful, to cause pain"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: Greek

"child of Zeus (folk etymology)"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

The Story of Odysseus

Odysseus is the ancient Greek hero of Homer's Odyssey, one of the two founding works of Western literature. His name is thought to derive from the Greek odyssomai meaning to be wrathful or to cause pain — possibly referring to his reputation as a cunning troublemaker to the gods. The Romans renamed him Ulysses. He is the archetype of the clever, enduring hero who triumphs through wit rather than brute strength.

Odysseus has seen a surge of interest as mythology-inspired names have surged. The success of names like Atlas, Orion, and Achilles has opened the door for more elaborate mythological names. Parents choosing Odysseus are making a clear literary statement — this is not a subtle name.

Odysseus represents the complete Greek ideal of heroism: not just strength but cleverness, resilience, and cunning. His 10-year journey home after the Trojan War is the foundational adventure narrative of Western civilization. James Joyce's 1922 novel Ulysses retells the Odyssey in a single Dublin day, cementing its modern literary status.

Fun Facts

Odysseus is mentioned more than any other character in Western literature, from Homer to Joyce
The Odyssey is approximately 2,800 years old and still studied in schools worldwide
The word odyssey (meaning a long journey) entered English directly from his name

Odysseus in Other Languages

Greek Ὀδυσσεύς

Latin Ulysses

French Ulysse

Italian Odisseo

Spanish Ulises

Famous People Named Odysseus

Odysseas Elytis

Writer

1911

Greek poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979

Odysseus Fictional

Other

Hero of Homer's Odyssey, king of Ithaca, known for his cunning and ten-year voyage home from Troy

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 4
Popularity Rank: #3,134
Total SSA Count: 39
Cultural Origins: Greek Classical English
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Ody Dys Odi

Pairs Well With

Odysseus James Odysseus Rex Odysseus Cole Odysseus Maximus Odysseus Soren Odysseus Orion

Sibling Names

Achilles Perseus Penelope Cassandra Ajax Daphne

Similar Names

Ulises Ulices

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Odysseus

What does the name Odysseus mean?

"wrathful, to cause pain" (from Ancient Greek). "child of Zeus (folk etymology)" (from Greek). Odysseus is the ancient Greek hero of Homer's Odyssey, one of the two founding works of Western literature. His name is thought to derive from the Greek odyssomai meaning to be wrathful or to cause pain — possibly referring to his reputation as a cunning troublemaker to the gods. The Romans renamed him Ulysses. He is the archetype of the clever, enduring hero who triumphs through wit rather than brute strength.

What is the origin of the name Odysseus?

Odysseus has Ancient Greek, Greek, Classical, and English origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "wrathful, to cause pain". In Greek, it means "child of Zeus (folk etymology)".

Is Odysseus a boy or girl name?

Odysseus is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Odysseus?

Odysseus is pronounced ohd-IHS-ee-uhs.

How popular is the name Odysseus?

Odysseus is currently ranked #3134 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Odysseus?

Common nicknames for Odysseus include Ody, Dys, and Odi.

What are good middle names for Odysseus?

Popular middle name pairings include Odysseus James, Odysseus Rex, Odysseus Cole, Odysseus Maximus, Odysseus Soren, and Odysseus Orion.

What are good sibling names for Odysseus?

Names that pair well with Odysseus as siblings include Achilles, Perseus, Penelope, Cassandra, Ajax, and Daphne.

How many syllables does Odysseus have?

Odysseus has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Odysseus a common or rare name?

Odysseus is an uncommon name, ranked #3134 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Odysseus

Odysseus is a boy name with Greek, Classical, and English origins . The name means "wrathful, to cause pain" in Ancient Greek .

Odysseus is currently ranked #3,134 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Odysseus has 4 syllables and is pronounced ohd-IHS-ee-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Odysseus include Ody, Dys, and Odi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.