Odysseus Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Odysseus originates from Greek, meaning wrathful or to be angry. It evolved through historical forms such as 'Ὀδυσσεύς' in Ancient Greek and is famously linked to Homer's works. The traits associated with Odysseus include intelligence and resilience, and he has no biblical relevance. His popularity surged in ancient literature and continues to influence modern storytelling.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Odysseus"
Pronunciation
/oʊˈdɪs.i.əs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Odysseus is derived from the Greek verb 'odyssomai', which means 'to be angry' or 'to hate'. It is often interpreted as 'the one who is angry' or 'the one who causes pain'.
Meaning
wrathful, to be angry
Language Evolution
Ὀδυσσεύς (Odysseus) in Ancient Greek, Odysseus in Latin, Odysseus in Modern Greek
Historical Usage
Odysseus gained popularity due to his central role in Homer's epic poems, particularly in the 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', written in the 8th century BCE. His character has been a symbol of cunning and resilience.
Variants & Derivatives
Ulysses (Latin variant), Ody (short form)
Modern Popularity & Image
Odysseus is often viewed as a complex hero, embodying traits such as intelligence, resourcefulness, and the struggle against adversity. His image remains popular in literature and adaptations of the 'Odyssey'.
Famous People
Homer (the poet who created the character), James Joyce (author of 'Ulysses', inspired by Odysseus), Various actors who portrayed Odysseus in films and theatre
📊 Odysseus Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Odysseus Name Visualizations
✨ Odysseus Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 43 peak births in 2019
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 2 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Odysseus" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Odysseus". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Odysseus" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Odysseus"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Odysseus"
"Odysseus" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9577th of 24088 | 93 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3448th of 23106 | 389 |
Regional Popularity of "Odysseus" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
59.57% 4064th/6822 |
43.96% 2759th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Odysseus" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Odysseus"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Odysseus" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Odysseus" in the United States
The name Odysseus is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Odysseus has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Odysseus' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9577th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3448th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Odysseus' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.