Odessa Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Odessa
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name ODESSA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Odessa
Gender
Female
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
9
Meaning of the Name
Odessa is a feminine name derived from the Greek city name Odessos, meaning 'long journey' or 'wrathful,' though it is more widely known as the name of the Ukrainian port city Odesa, evoking maritime and cultural connections.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mars
Positive Nature
Generous, passionate, energetic, and humanitarian.
Negative Traits
Impulsive, impatient, moody, and can be overly emotional.
Lucky Colours
Red, maroon, scarlet.
Lucky Days
Tuesday.
Lucky Stones
Red coral, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 3, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Military, sports, philanthropy, leadership roles.
What People Like About You
Courage, energy, leadership, generosity.
Famous People Named Odessa
Odessa Young
Actress
Award-winning Australian actress known for breakthrough roles in independent films
Odessa Cleveland
Actress
Pioneering African-American actress in 1960s-70s television
Odessa Sykes
Model
Influential plus-size model and body positivity advocate
Odessa Bitz
Athlete
Professional basketball player in WNBA and international leagues
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
In the modern era, the name gained geographical significance when Russian Empress Catherine the Great established the port city of Odessa in 1794. She deliberately chose a name that evoked classical Greek heritage, connecting her new Black Sea port to ancient Greek colonies while signaling Russia's imperial ambitions. The city of Odessa became known as a multicultural melting pot and important cultural center, further enriching the name's associations with cosmopolitanism, trade, and artistic innovation. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the name carried both the romanticism of Mediterranean culture and the resilience of a city that survived numerous historical challenges.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Odessa typically exhibit a complex personality profile marked by intensity, intelligence, and independence. The 'wrathful' aspect of the name's meaning often manifests as passionate conviction rather than uncontrolled anger - these are women who care deeply about principles and justice. They possess the strategic mind of their namesake Odysseus, able to navigate complex situations with cleverness and foresight. Their emotional depth gives them strong intuition and empathy, though they may struggle with impatience when others don't share their intensity or vision.
Odessas tend to be natural leaders who inspire loyalty through their determination and authenticity. They embrace life as an adventure, seeking meaningful experiences and personal growth through challenges. While they can be fiercely independent, they value deep connections with chosen companions who appreciate their complexity. The journey metaphor inherent in their name suggests they see life as a process of becoming rather than a fixed destination, making them adaptable, curious, and resilient in the face of change. Their combination of passion and intelligence often leads them to creative or intellectual pursuits where they can express their unique perspective.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Odessa has emerged as a stylish choice in contemporary baby naming, particularly among parents seeking names with classical roots and distinctive character. After decades of relative obscurity, the name began rising in popularity in the early 2000s, coinciding with broader trends favoring vintage revivals and mythological names. Its current moderate popularity (ranking in the 800s in the US) makes it familiar yet uncommon - the sweet spot many modern parents seek. The name appeals particularly to educated, cosmopolitan families who appreciate its international flair and literary pedigree. Odessa fits well with current naming styles that value strong, feminine names with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal. Its usage extends beyond English-speaking countries to international communities, especially those with Greek or Eastern European connections, and continues to gain traction as more parents discover its rich background and melodic sound.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Odessa represents the epic journey of human experience - the trials, transformations, and triumphs that shape our lives. Like Odysseus's twenty-year odyssey, the name embodies the concept of nostos (homecoming) and the personal growth achieved through struggle and perseverance. The 'wrathful' element symbolizes the raw power of authentic emotion and the courage to confront challenges directly. Maritime symbolism runs deep with this name, representing both the treacherous waters we must navigate and the distant horizons calling us to adventure. Odessa also carries the symbolic weight of cultural crossroads - much like the Ukrainian city that shares its name, it represents the meeting of different traditions and the beauty that emerges from diversity. Ultimately, the name symbolizes the balance between wandering and rootedness, passion and wisdom, making it a powerful choice for those who see life as a meaningful journey of self-discovery and connection.