"difficult journey"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Ulysses
Pronunciation: [ y-ool-IHS-eez ]
Does Ulysses flow with your last name?
The great wanderer of ancient literature
Latin
Greek
American
Italian
Literary
Bold
Classic
Strong
Sophisticated
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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.
Historical Record
Ulysses first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 11,609 babies have been named Ulysses in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ulysses is past its peak , currently ranked #1,291 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,291
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ulysses
U
Ulysses S. Grant
Military
1822
18th President of the United States and Commanding General of the Union Army during the Civil War
O
Odysseus Fictional
Other
The cunning Greek hero of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, king of Ithaca
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Compare Ulysses with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ulysses
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ulysses is also used as a girl name, ranked #67810.
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis