Odessa
Odessa is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Wrathful, modern usage associated with long journey or classical epic.
Origin and history
Odessa is a feminine name derived from the Greek name Odysseus, associated with long journeys and exploration. It gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, partly influenced by the famous Ukrainian port city on the Black Sea. Today, it remains a charming vintage choice with steady, moderate usage.
Popularity in the United States
18,564 babies in the United States have been named Odessa since 1880. It ranks #1113 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1332.
States where it is most popular
- TX (11.9 %)
- GA (11.2 %)
- NC (10.5 %)
- AL (8.5 %)
- MS (8.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 204 |
| 1890-1900 | 508 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,183 |
| 1910-1920 | 3,085 |
| 1920-1930 | 4,114 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,436 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,708 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,167 |
| 1960-1970 | 683 |
| 1970-1980 | 505 |
| 1980-1990 | 439 |
| 1990-2000 | 447 |
| 2000-2010 | 544 |
| 2010-2019 | 734 |
| 2020-2029 | 807 |
Famous people named Odessa
- Odessa Grady Clay: Public figure
- Odessa Young: Actress
Nicknames
Dessa, Essie
Fun facts
- The name was widely adopted in honor of the major Black Sea port city of Odessa, founded by Catherine the Great.
- It traces its underlying root to the ancient Greek epic hero Odysseus from Homer's Odyssey.