Odessa

Odessa is a given name associated with the Ukrainian port city now commonly rendered Odesa in English. The city’s name refers back to the ancient place name Odessos. It is not simply a translation of “voyage,” and a resemblance to the title Odyssey should not supply its meaning.

Odie is a possible short form, while Odesa preserves the modern Ukrainian-based spelling of the city. Odessa also has a history as an American given name, so a family may be honoring a relative rather than a geographical connection. Parents can consider the place, family story, and preferred spelling separately when deciding what the name means to them.