Find out how popular the first name Ulyses has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ulyses by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ulyses is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ulyses.

The history of the first name Ulyses

The given name Ulyses is derived from the Latin name Ulysses, which in turn comes from the Greek Odysseus. It is the Latinized version of the name of the legendary Greek hero from Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

The name Odysseus is believed to have originated from the Greek word "odyssomai," which means "to hate" or "to be hostile." This could be a reference to the hero's cunning and resourcefulness in dealing with his enemies and overcoming obstacles during his long journey home after the Trojan War.

The earliest recorded use of the name Ulyses can be found in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of Homer, which are believed to have been composed around the 8th century BCE. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is the central character who embarks on a perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, facing numerous challenges and adventures along the way.

One of the most famous historical figures named Ulysses was Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), an American military leader and the 18th President of the United States. He was instrumental in leading the Union Army to victory during the American Civil War and later served two terms as president from 1869 to 1877.

Another notable figure with the name Ulyses was Ulysses Simpson (1842-1925), an American frontiersman and military officer who served in the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War. He was also a close friend and military aide to General George Armstrong Custer.

In the literary world, Ulysses is the title of the iconic modernist novel by Irish writer James Joyce (1882-1941), published in 1922. The novel's protagonist, Leopold Bloom, is likened to the Greek hero Odysseus, and the book follows his wanderings through Dublin over the course of a single day.

Another famous bearer of the name was Ulysses S. Ayers (1857-1919), an American architect who was influential in the development of the Beaux-Arts architectural style in the United States. He designed several notable buildings, including the Hilton Memorial Chapel at Stanford University and the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Los Angeles.

Lastly, Ulysses S. Grant III (1881-1968), the grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, was a notable American lawyer and author. He wrote several books about his grandfather's life and military career, helping to shape the public's understanding of this pivotal historical figure.

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 Ulyses was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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