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Ulysses Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Ulysses

🔊 yoo-LIS-eez  /juːˈlɪsiːz/

"Journey, Adventure"

Greek Origin Christianity Predominantly Male 📈 Peak 1999 👥 18,509 in US Christian Biblical Boy
📖
Meaning
Journey, Adventure
🌍
Origin
Greek
👥
US Bearers
18,509
Life Path
Number 3

📖 What Does Ulysses Mean?

Name of the legendary hero from Greek mythology, meaning 'journey, ululation'. In Christian tradition, it can symbolize a spiritual journey towards salvation.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Ulysses is one Latinized version of Odysseus. The name was made more famous in modern times by the American Civil War hero and eighteenth president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, by James Joyce's novel Ulysses, and the film of the same name.…

Root Element
Ulysses
Core Meaning
"Journey, Adventure"
Language
English, Greek
Themes
Journey · Adventure · Exploration · Strength

🌐 Ulysses in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Ulysses
A name stemming from Greek mythology, signifying angry or hate

The name Ulysses originates from the Greek name Odysseus, meaning 'angry' or 'hate'. It is famously associated with Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, known for his intelligence and leadership during the T…

Personality of Ulysses

Emotional Traits

Adventurous Determined

Hidden Personality

D = Devoted
S = Strong-willed

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Thursday
🔢
Lucky Number
3
💎
Lucky Stone
Amethyst
🌟
Life Path
3

Lucky Colors

Blue
Purple

Numerology: Enthusiastic and creative individuals, expressing themselves freely

🔢 Numerology of Ulysses

U 3
L 3
Y 7
S 1
S 1
E 5
S 1
SUM 3
3
Life Path
Creativity & Expression
8
Soul Urge
Power & Ambition
4
Personality
Stability & Hard Work

Life Path 3 — Creativity & Expression: Charismatic, artistic, and highly communicative.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name John is derived from the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "God is gracious." The name Doe is of English origin and simply means 'deer'. In popular culture, particularly in English-speaking countries, the name John is associated with strong leadership, being honest, and a traditional name.

Spiritual Significance

The name John is symbolic of one who is graced by God and is considered a strong and faithful name in Christian tradition.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male100%
♀ Female0%

Based on 18,509 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 18,509
Peak year 1999 (272)
First recorded 1880
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Male
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 50/100
🌍 United Kingdom
49%
🌍 Germany
60%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Ulysses" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Journey, Adventure".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~18,509 people named Ulysses in the US. Peaked in 1999 with 272 recorded uses.

🏛️
8th Century BC

Ulysses was the name of the legendary Greek king of Ithaca. In Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, Ulysses embarks on a ten-year journey to return home after the Trojan War. During his absence, his wife Penelope is besieged by suitors trying to marry her and take over his kingdom.

🏛️
1502

Ulysses was also a name given to Christopher Columbus when he took up his last voyage in 1502. He was called 'Ulisses' in Spanish records because the name 'Ulisse' was already in use by another explorer. Columbus's voyage led to the discovery of the Americas by Europeans.

Modern Usage

Ulysses is a name derived from Greek mythology, belonging to the legendary hero Ulysses or Odysseus. In the modern context, this name is primarily associated with three distinct platforms: 1. Books: James Joyce’s novel ‘Ulysses’ is a renowned work of modernist literature. 2. Movies: The name has been used in various film titles, including ‘Ulysses’ (1954) and ‘Tideland’ (2005). 3. TV Shows: The character Ulysses Thorn from ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ and the animated series ‘Ulysses 31’ are popular examples. Ulysses is often depicted as a tenacious and resourceful figure, willing to go to great lengths to achieve his objectives. The name has also been used metaphorically to refer to characters who exhibit a similar level of determination and resilience in various works of literature and media.

Famous People Named Ulysses

U
Ulysses Everett McGill in ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’
U
Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ulysses mean?

Ulysses means "Journey, Adventure" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Ulysses a good Christian name?

Yes, Ulysses is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Ulysses?

Ulysses has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Ulysses?

The Life Path number for Ulysses is 3, associated with Creativity & Expression. Soul Urge: 8. Personality: 4.

Is Ulysses a boy or girl name?

Ulysses is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.

How many people are named Ulysses in the US?

Approximately 18,509 people in the United States are named Ulysses. The name peaked in 1999 with 272 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

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Nestor Odysseus

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