Ulysses is a name of Latin origin that has been used throughout history, but it's most famously associated with the hero of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. In this ancient Greek tale, Ulysses (also known as Odysseus) is the cunning king of Ithaca who embarks on a ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.
The name Ulysses means "wrathful" or "swift footed," reflecting two aspects of Homer's hero. The first part, "Uli-", comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wlk-", which means "wolf." The suffix "-sis" is derived from the Greek verb "εἶναι" (eînai), meaning "to be."
Despite its heroic origins, Ulysses has been used as a given name relatively infrequently compared to other names from classical mythology. However, notable figures have borne this name throughout history, including Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, and Ulysses Moore, a fictional character in the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer.
Today, Ulysses remains an uncommon but distinctive name choice, carrying with it a rich historical and literary heritage. Parents who choose this name for their child may be drawn to its unique sound, its association with intelligence and cunning (as demonstrated by Odysseus), or simply as a nod to the classic literature that has captivated readers for centuries.
"Ulyssis saw its peak popularity with five newborns in 2011."