Rising since 1985, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Odyssey since 1982
Babies named Odyssey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 62 | 0 |
| 1990s | 119 | 5 |
| 2000s | 175 | 0 |
| 2010s | 213 | 0 |
| 2020s | 165 | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Odyssey entered the U.S. baby name landscape in 1982, a literary word-name that remains rare but has steadily climbed in usage. As of 2025, it ranks 4,878, with about 1 in 59,528 newborns receiving the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022, consistent with a rising trajectory that began in the mid-1980s. California recorded the most Odyssey births among U.S. states. The name's appeal likely stems from its association with adventure and classical epic literature, though it has not yet broken into widespread use.
Odyssey is the title of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem recounting the adventures of Odysseus. As a given name, it first appeared in the United States in the 1980s, likely as a word-name drawn directly from the English noun meaning a long, eventful journey. Its use as a baby name remains rare but has risen in the 21st century.
Where Odyssey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Odie, Oddy
Sibling names for Odyssey
Names that share Odyssey's style, for a brother or sister.
