Odessa

Meaning of Odessa

The name Odessa is a captivating choice for a baby girl, exuding both historical richness and melodic charm. Pronounced as oh-DESS-uh in English, Odessa finds its roots in Greek origin, where it means "wrathful" or "angry." However, the name is more commonly associated with the enchanting port city of Odessa in Ukraine, which was named after the ancient Greek colony of Odessos. This dual heritage imbues the name with a sense of timelessness and cultural depth.

Odessa has seen fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. It experienced significant usage in the early 20th century, peaking notably around 1925 when it ranked 321st most popular. After a period of decline, it has seen a modest resurgence in recent years; in 2023, it ranked 1845th with 108 occurrences. The name's allure lies not only in its unique sound but also in its literary and cinematic associations, often evoking images of elegance and mystery.

A variation of this beautiful name is Odessia, offering an alternative for parents who appreciate its distinctiveness but seek something slightly different. Whether chosen for its historical significance or its lyrical quality, Odessa remains a timeless and evocative name for a baby girl.

Pronunciation

British English

• Pronunced as oh-DESS-uh (/əʊˈdɛsə/)

American English

• Pronunced as oh-DESS-uh (/oʊˈdɛsə/)

• Ophelia
• Oona
• Olena
• Odelia
• Olesia
• Orla
• Odette