Declining since 2000, #1,196 for boys today.
Popularity of Ulysses since 1880
Babies named Ulysses per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1999, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ulysses's real moment was 1895.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 241 |
| 1890s | 310 |
| 1900s | 294 |
| 1910s | 1,182 |
| 1920s | 1,839 |
| 1930s | 1,450 |
| 1940s | 1,559 |
| 1950s | 1,651 |
| 1960s | 1,282 |
| 1970s | 1,100 |
| 1980s | 1,352 |
| 1990s | 1,738 |
| 2000s | 1,884 |
| 2010s | 1,723 |
| 2020s | 1,050 |
Meaning & origin
Ulysses is a name steeped in classical lore and American history. The Latin form of Odysseus, it evokes the cunning hero of Homer's Odyssey, a figure synonymous with epic journeys and resilience. In the United States, the name reached its peak popularity in 1895, ranking as high as 1,196th at that time, largely due to the fame of President Ulysses S. Grant, a Union general in the Civil War. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, particularly after 2000, falling out of the top 1,000 names. Though uncommon today, with roughly 1 in 10,107 boys named Ulysses in 2025, it retains a distinguished, literary air. Geographically, it has shown particular favor in states like Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, suggesting a distinct regional appeal. For parents seeking a name with historical gravitas and mythological depth, Ulysses offers a powerful, if unconventional, choice.
Ulysses is the Latinized form of the Greek name Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic poem the Odyssey. The name's meaning is debated, but it is often linked to the Greek verb 'odyssomai' meaning 'to be angry' or 'to hate'. It has been used in English-speaking countries since the Renaissance, gaining particular prominence in the United States due to President Ulysses S. Grant.
Where Ulysses is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Uly, Ullie, Lyss
Variants: Odysseus
Sibling names for Ulysses
Names that share Ulysses's style, for a brother or sister.
