Ulysse: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful".It derives from the Greek word "odýssomai > Odysséus".
Ulysse has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Greek roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Ulysse
Quick facts about Ulysse
Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
odýssomai > Odysséus
How to Pronounce Ulysse
Ulysse is pronounced /juˈlɪs/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Uly-sse
Say it like: "YOOLEEHS"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Ulysse is predominantly used in french speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
french
Frequently Asked Questions About Ulysse
What does the name Ulysse mean?
Ulysse means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy.". The name comes from odýssomai > Odysséus. In its original form, the name derives from odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Ulysse for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Ulysse's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES) / LATIN (ROMAN MYTHOLOGY), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Ulysse?
Ulysse is a greek name. The name traces back to odýssomai > Odysséus. The original form odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to french naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Ulysse a boy or girl name?
Ulysse is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Ulysse has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Ulysse?
Ulysse is pronounced "/juˈlɪs/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Ulysse is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Ulysse can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root odýssomai > Odysséus influences how Ulysse sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Ulysse?
Ulysse is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Ulysse offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Ulysse's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Ulysse holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Ulysse commonly used?
Ulysse is used primarily in french naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Ulysse found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Ulysse into their naming traditions. A child named Ulysse will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Ulysse is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Ulysse?
Ulysse carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES) / LATIN (ROMAN MYTHOLOGY). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “odýssomai (ὀδύσσομαι) Odysséus (Ὀδυσσεύς),” meaning “to be wroth against, hate, full of anger, wrathful.” Odysseus, also known by the Roman name Ulysses, was the perhaps fictional Greek King of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus was the husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea. He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the decade-long Trojan War and his renowned Trojan horse ploy to capture the city of Troy." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Ulysse originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Ulysse sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Ulysse often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In french communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.