Ulysses is a name of Latin origin that means "wrathful." It is derived from the Latin word "Ulrix," which was later adapted into the Greek form "Olýsseus" or "Ulysses." The name has been associated with the hero Ulysses (also known as Odysseus) in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey." According to Greek mythology, Ulysses was a brave and clever king of Ithaca who fought against the Trojans in the Trojan War. After the war, he embarked on a long journey home, facing many challenges and adventures along the way. The name Ulysses has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Ulysses S. Grant, an American Civil War general and 18th President of the United States, and Ulysses Moore, a character in the fantasy book series "The Adventures of the Young Detectives," carrying on its legacy. Today, the name Ulysses continues to be used around the world as a strong and distinctive choice for boys' names.
The name Ulys seems to have had periods of popularity and obscurity over the years. The highest number of births recorded was 11 in both 1915 and 1921, suggesting there may have been a brief fad for this name around that time. However, it appears more common between the late 1920s to mid-1930s, with at least five births each year from 1927 to 1934 inclusive. After 1943, there are no further records of Ulys being given as a birth name.