Ulysses
Ulysses is a boy name of Latin origin meaning “Wrathful, wounded in the thigh”, pronounced yoo-LISS-eez. It ranked #1201 in the United States in 2025, given to 169 babies, and peaked at #272 in 1895. Common nicknames: Uly, Lee, Lys.
How popular is Ulysses in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ulysses mean, and where does it come from?
Ulysses is the Latin form of the Greek name Odysseus, the legendary hero of Homer's Odyssey. The name likely derives from the Greek "odyssomai" meaning "to be wrathful" or "to hate," though some scholars connect it to a pre-Greek root meaning "wounded in the thigh." The Latinized form Ulysses became the dominant version in Western literature, used by Dante, Tennyson, and James Joyce in his landmark modernist novel. In American history, the name is most associated with Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general who won the Civil War and served as the 18th President of the United States. Despite its grand literary pedigree, the name remains relatively rare in modern usage.
How is Ulysses used around the world?
Ulysses is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ulysses?
Famous People Named Ulysses
- Ulysses S. Grant — 18th President of the United States and Civil War general
- Ulysses Kay — American composer of classical music
- Ulises de la Cruz — Ecuadorian international footballer
Similar Names to Ulysses
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ulysses
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ulysses mean?
Ulysses is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Wrathful, wounded in the thigh." Ulysses is the Latin form of the Greek name Odysseus, the legendary hero of Homer's Odyssey. The name likely derives from the Greek "odyssomai" meaning "to be wrathful" or "to hate," though some scholars connect it to a pre-Greek root meaning "wounded in the thigh.
How do you pronounce Ulysses?
Ulysses is pronounced yoo-LISS-eez. Common variations include Ulises, Odysseus, Ulisse.
Is Ulysses a boy name?
Yes, Ulysses is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Uly, Lee, Lys.