The given name Ramses has its origins in the ancient Egyptian language of the 16th century BC. It is derived from the Egyptian name Ra-mes-su, which means "Ra is the one who bore him" or "Born of Ra". Ra was the primary name of the sun god in ancient Egyptian mythology and religion.

The name Ramses was particularly popular among the pharaohs of ancient Egypt's 19th Dynasty, which ruled from around 1292 BC to 1189 BC. The most famous bearer of this name was Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, who reigned from 1279 BC to 1213 BC. He was one of the most powerful and celebrated pharaohs in Egyptian history, known for his extensive building projects and military conquests.

Another notable historical figure with the name Ramses was Ramses III, the second pharaoh of the 20th Dynasty, who ruled from 1186 BC to 1155 BC. He is credited with defending Egypt against invasions by the Sea Peoples and for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Temple of Karnak.

In ancient Greek texts, the name was often rendered as Rhamses or Rhampses, reflecting the Greek transliteration of the Egyptian name. The name also appears in various ancient Hebrew texts, including the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible, where it is spelled as Rahm-ses.

Outside of ancient Egypt, one of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ramses is Ramses I, who ruled as the first pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty from 1292 BC to 1290 BC. He was the grandfather of Ramses II and is credited with founding the dynasty that would later produce some of ancient Egypt's most famous rulers.

Another historical figure with the name Ramses was Ramses VI, the fifth ruler of the 20th Dynasty, who reigned from 1145 BC to 1137 BC. He is known for his construction projects at the Temple of Karnak and for the discovery of his mummified remains in the Valley of the Kings.