Find out how popular the first name Odessey has been for the last 7 years (from 1996 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Odessey by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Odessey is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Odessey.

The history of the first name Odessey

The given name Odessey is derived from the ancient Greek epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer, which recounts the journey of the Greek hero Odysseus. The name reflects the adventurous spirit and the challenges faced during a long and arduous journey.

Odessey can be considered a variant spelling of the word "odyssey," which has its roots in the Greek word "Odusseia." The poem itself is believed to have been composed around the 8th century BC and is considered one of the oldest and most influential works of Western literature.

In ancient Greek mythology, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca who fought in the Trojan War. After the fall of Troy, he embarked on a perilous journey home, facing numerous obstacles and adventures along the way. His name, Odysseus, is closely tied to the concept of an odyssey, which has become synonymous with an epic journey or adventure.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Odessey can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek poet Callimachus, who lived in the 3rd century BC. He referred to the poem as "Odusseia," which is the Ionic Greek dialect form of the name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Odessey or its variants. One such person was Odessey Vesprit (1751-1825), a French philosopher and writer known for his contributions to the Enlightenment movement. Another was Odessey Hawkins (1892-1963), an American jazz pianist and composer who played a significant role in the development of stride piano.

In literature, one of the most famous characters with this name is Odessey Bloom, the protagonist of James Joyce's novel "Ulysses," published in 1922. The novel is a modern retelling of Homer's epic, with Odessey Bloom representing the modern equivalent of Odysseus.

Another notable figure was Odessey J. Sanchez (1920-2001), an American civil rights activist and lawyer who played a crucial role in the desegregation of public schools in California. He was a prominent figure in the Mexican-American community and fought tirelessly for equal rights and opportunities.

Lastly, in the realm of sports, Odessey Thurman (born 1982) is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Odessey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Odessey, please contact us.

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