The name Odalis has its origins in Greek mythology and is derived from the word "Odalisque," which refers to a female slave or concubine in a Turkish seraglio (harem). The name can be traced back to the 16th century, during the height of the Ottoman Empire's influence in the Balkans and parts of Eastern Europe.

In Greek mythology, the term "Odalisque" was associated with the goddess Aphrodite and her attendants, who were often depicted as beautiful, sensual women. The name gained popularity among the aristocracy and upper classes in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, during the 18th and 19th centuries, as a result of the fascination with the exotic and romanticized depictions of Ottoman culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Odalis can be found in the works of the French writer and philosopher, Voltaire (1694-1778). In his philosophical novella, "Zadig," Voltaire introduces a character named Odalis, who is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Odalis. Among them are:

1. Odalis Revé (born 1949), a Cuban-American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Mambo Kings" (1992) and "The Perez Family" (1995).

2. Odalis Pérez (born 1973), a former Dominican Republic professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1998 to 2004.

3. Odalis Rodríguez (born 1977), a Puerto Rican track and field athlete who competed in the long jump and triple jump events at the Olympic Games and World Championships.

4. Odalis Graham Norton (1835-1920), an American painter and portraitist known for her works depicting scenes from the American Civil War and portraits of notable figures of the time.

5. Odalis Núñez (born 1979), a Dominican Republic-born American film and television actress best known for her role as Nina Esperanza in the popular TV series "Prison Break."

While the name Odalis has its roots in Greek mythology and Ottoman culture, it has since transcended its origins and gained popularity across various cultures and societies, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean regions.