Ulysses is a male given name of Latin origin that means "having fought with the sea". It is derived from the Greek hero Odysseus, who was known for his long and eventful journey home after the Trojan War, as told in Homer's epic poem the Odyssey.
The name Ulysses has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Ulysses S. Grant, who served as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877. He was also a leading Union general during the American Civil War.
Another well-known figure with the name Ulysses is the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde's father, Sir William Wilde. He was an eminent surgeon and writer in Dublin during the mid-19th century.
The name Ulysses has also been used in literature and popular culture. James Joyce's modernist novel "Ulysses" (1922) is a controversial work that follows three characters around Dublin in a single day, with parallels to Homer's Odyssey. Additionally, the name was used for the protagonist of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Ulysses" (1833), which tells the story of the hero in his old age.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Ulysses has not been particularly popular throughout history. However, it has seen some fluctuation in popularity over time. For instance, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ulysses peaked in popularity during the 1890s, with around 250 babies named Ulysses each year. Since then, its usage as a given name has declined significantly, with only a few dozen babies being named Ulysses annually since the 1970s.
Overall, while not extremely common, the name Ulysses carries historical and literary significance due to its association with the legendary Greek hero Odysseus. Its unique meaning and origin make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Ulises has seen a significant rise in popularity over time, with a steady increase from the late 1960s to peaking around the mid-1990s. The highest number of births recorded was in 1998 with 350 births. Since then, the frequency has fluctuated but remained relatively high until recent years when it has started to decline slightly.