The given name Odessa has its roots in ancient Greek culture, tracing back to the 6th century BC. It is derived from the Greek word "Odysseia," which refers to Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. The name is believed to be a feminine form of the name Odysseus, the hero of the Odyssey.

Odessa gained popularity in the Byzantine Empire and was later adopted by various Slavic cultures. In Russia, the name Odessa became associated with the city of the same name, founded in 1794 by Catherine the Great. The city was named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos, which was located near the modern-day Ukrainian port city.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Odessa can be found in the 15th-century Russian epic poem "The Tale of Igor's Campaign." The poem features a character named Odessa, though details about her are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Odessa. One of the most famous was Odessa Madre de Dios (1845-1935), a Cuban poet and revolutionary who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence from Spain.

Another notable Odessa was Odessa Woolfolk (1936-2008), an American educator and civil rights activist who fought for desegregation and equal education opportunities in the United States.

In the world of literature, Odessa Cleveland (1899-1981) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her works set in the American South.

In the realm of sports, Odessa Zharikova (1919-2009) was a Soviet gymnast who won multiple medals at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games.

Lastly, Odessa Permiloff (1887-1973) was a Russian-American ballet dancer and choreographer who performed with the Ballets Russes and later taught at various dance schools in the United States.