Ulysses is a name of Latin origin that means "wrathful." It is derived from the Latin word "Ulrix," which was later adapted into the Greek form "Olýsseus" or "Ulysses." The name has been associated with the hero Ulysses (also known as Odysseus) in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey." According to Greek mythology, Ulysses was a brave and clever king of Ithaca who fought against the Trojans in the Trojan War. After the war, he embarked on a long journey home, facing many challenges and adventures along the way. The name Ulysses has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Ulysses S. Grant, an American Civil War general and 18th President of the United States, and Ulysses Moore, a character in the fantasy book series "The Adventures of the Young Detectives," carrying on its legacy. Today, the name Ulysses continues to be used around the world as a strong and distinctive choice for boys' names.
The name Ulys has been a consistent yet relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year. Between 1912 and 1943, there were a total of 134 babies named Ulys born in the United States.
The name's popularity peaked briefly during this period in 1915 and 1921, with 11 births each year. However, it was more commonly chosen by parents around the late 1910s to early 1920s, with a total of 38 births occurring between 1917 and 1924.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, Ulys remained a steady choice for parents throughout this period. While it was never a particularly common name, its consistent presence over several decades suggests that many families have chosen to honor the name Ulys across generations.