Ulysses

Pronunciation: [ y-ool-IHS-eez ]

Boy Name #1,291 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

The great wanderer of ancient literature

Latin Greek American Italian

Literary Bold Classic Strong Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"difficult journey"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

The Story of Ulysses

Ulysses is the Latinized form of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's Odyssey. The Greek name Odysseus likely derives from odysaomai meaning to be wrathful or to hate, though some scholars link it to a root suggesting the difficult journey. Ulysses became the standard form of the name throughout the Roman world and medieval Europe.

Ulysses has never been common but gained notable association with President Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th US President and Union Army general. James Joyce's 1922 novel Ulysses, considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, also cemented the name's literary prestige.

Odysseus/Ulysses is perhaps the most storied hero in Western literature: the cunning architect of the Trojan Horse, the ten-year wanderer seeking home, the devoted husband and father. His name is synonymous with intelligence, endurance, and the human longing for home.

Fun Facts

Ulysses S. Grant's real first name was Hiram; the U.S. initials came from a clerical error at West Point
James Joyce's Ulysses, published in 1922, follows a single day in Dublin and is considered the greatest English-language novel of the 20th century

Ulysses in Other Languages

Latin Ulysses

French Ulysse

Italian Ulisse

Spanish Ulises

Famous People Named Ulysses

Ulysses S. Grant

Military

1822

18th President of the United States and Commanding General of the Union Army during the Civil War

Odysseus Fictional

Other

The cunning Greek hero of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, king of Ithaca

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 4
Popularity Rank: #1,291
Total SSA Count: 152
Cultural Origins: Latin Greek American Italian
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Uly Lee

Pairs Well With

Ulysses Grant Ulysses James Ulysses Rex Ulysses Theodore Ulysses Augustine Ulysses Roman

Sibling Names

Achilles Augustus Penelope Helena Leonidas

Also a Girl Name

Ulysses is also used as a girl name, ranked #67810.

View Ulysses as a girl name →

Similar Names

Lucius Julian Julio Ulises Ulices

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ulysses

What does the name Ulysses mean?

"difficult journey" (from Greek). Ulysses is the Latinized form of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's Odyssey. The Greek name Odysseus likely derives from odysaomai meaning to be wrathful or to hate, though some scholars link it to a root suggesting the difficult journey. Ulysses became the standard form of the name throughout the Roman world and medieval Europe.

What is the origin of the name Ulysses?

Ulysses has Greek, Latin, American, and Italian origins. In Greek, it means "difficult journey".

Is Ulysses a boy or girl name?

Ulysses is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1291. As a girl name, it is ranked #67810. Ulysses is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Ulysses?

Ulysses is pronounced y-ool-IHS-eez.

How popular is the name Ulysses?

Ulysses is currently ranked #1291 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Ulysses?

Common nicknames for Ulysses include Uly and Lee.

What are good middle names for Ulysses?

Popular middle name pairings include Ulysses Grant, Ulysses James, Ulysses Rex, Ulysses Theodore, Ulysses Augustine, and Ulysses Roman.

What are good sibling names for Ulysses?

Names that pair well with Ulysses as siblings include Achilles, Augustus, Penelope, Helena, and Leonidas.

How many syllables does Ulysses have?

Ulysses has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Ulysses a common or rare name?

Ulysses is an uncommon name, ranked #1291 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Ulysses

Ulysses is a boy name with Latin, Greek, American, and Italian origins . The name means "difficult journey" in Greek .

Is Ulysses a boy or girl name? Ulysses is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,291 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #67,810. Ulysses is more commonly used as a boy name.

Ulysses is currently ranked #1,291 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Ulysses has 4 syllables and is pronounced y-ool-IHS-eez, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Ulysses include Uly and Lee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.