Ulysses is a male given name of Latin origin that means "having fought with the sea". It is derived from the Greek hero Odysseus, who was known for his long and eventful journey home after the Trojan War, as told in Homer's epic poem the Odyssey.
The name Ulysses has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Ulysses S. Grant, who served as the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877. He was also a leading Union general during the American Civil War.
Another well-known figure with the name Ulysses is the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde's father, Sir William Wilde. He was an eminent surgeon and writer in Dublin during the mid-19th century.
The name Ulysses has also been used in literature and popular culture. James Joyce's modernist novel "Ulysses" (1922) is a controversial work that follows three characters around Dublin in a single day, with parallels to Homer's Odyssey. Additionally, the name was used for the protagonist of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Ulysses" (1833), which tells the story of the hero in his old age.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Ulysses has not been particularly popular throughout history. However, it has seen some fluctuation in popularity over time. For instance, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ulysses peaked in popularity during the 1890s, with around 250 babies named Ulysses each year. Since then, its usage as a given name has declined significantly, with only a few dozen babies being named Ulysses annually since the 1970s.
Overall, while not extremely common, the name Ulysses carries historical and literary significance due to its association with the legendary Greek hero Odysseus. Its unique meaning and origin make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Ulises has been a part of the American landscape for several decades now, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over time. In the early years, from 1954 to 1968, the birth count was relatively low, ranging from just 5 to 12 births per year.
However, starting in 1969, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Ulises. The highest point was reached in 1985 with an impressive 107 births, indicating that this name was quite popular during that period.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the popularity of the name continued to grow. In fact, the year 2006 saw a record-breaking number of babies named Ulises with an astonishing 487 births!
Interestingly enough, despite its previous popularity, the name Ulises has seen a decline in recent years. From 2015 onwards, the birth count has been fluctuating between 220 and 270 annually.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, it is clear that Ulises has left an indelible mark on American naming trends over the past seven decades. With a total of 11474 births since 1954, Ulises remains a recognizable name in the United States.