Rising since 2004, #2,833 for boys today.
Popularity of Odysseus since 1999
Babies named Odysseus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 47 |
| 2010s | 247 |
| 2020s | 226 |
Meaning & origin
Odysseus has been used in the United States since at least 1999, when it first appeared in Social Security records. As of 2025, it holds a rank of 2833rd, with a 1-in-38,820 birth rate, indicating modest but steady use. The name has been on an upward trajectory since 2004, and its peak year so far is 2025, suggesting growing modern appeal. Although no top states are recorded for the name, its classical roots and heroic associations make it a distinctive choice for parents drawn to Greek mythology.
Odysseus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Ὀδυσσεύς (Odysseus), whose etymology has been debated since antiquity. It is often linked to the Greek verb ὀδύσσομαι (odyssomai) meaning 'to be angry' or 'to hate', but this folk etymology may stem from the hero's own character. The name is famously borne by the protagonist of Homer's epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, where he is the king of Ithaca noted for his cleverness and resourcefulness. In modern times, the name has been used sparingly but has seen a gradual increase in the United States since the late 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ody, Deus
Variants: Ulysses
Sibling names for Odysseus
Names that share Odysseus's style, for a brother or sister.
