Ursula
Fact sheet
- Name
- Ursula
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 3
The female name Ursula is the diminutive form of Ursa, comes from the Latin language, and is usually translated as 'the little bear' or 'the bear cub'. Ursula is a classic Latin name and is therefore used internationally.
What does the name Ursula mean?
The female name Ursula is the diminutive form of Ursa, comes from the Latin language, and is usually translated as 'the little bear' or 'the bear cub'. Ursula is a classic Latin name and is therefore used internationally. The name is derived from the Latin word ursa for 'the bear'. The added suffix -ula makes the name mean 'the little bear'. In the case of Saint Ursula, the name likely refers more to her bravery in martyrdom and would then mean 'strong as a little bear'. The spelling Úrsula is used in Catalonia and Portugal. Urula, on the other hand, is the Slovenian and Czech variant of the name. The legend of Saint Ursula likely contributed to the name's spread in the Middle Ages. She was a British princess from Brittany in the 4th century and had the Celtic name Artula (male Artus, Celtic Artaios) with the same meaning (little bear). She agreed to marry the crown prince of England on the condition that her husband would become Christian and undertake a pilgrimage with her and her entourage. The groom agreed. However, they only made it to Cologne, where all, allegedly 11,000 virgins, were murdered under cruel conditions by the Huns. Saint Ursula is greatly revered in Cologne by the Ursuline Order. Ursula was a very popular name in Germany between 1920 and 1960, often ranking at the top. Today, however, the name has declined in usage. A folk saying and old weather rule states: 'As Ursula's day begins, so shall winter be.' Consequently, farmers should have harvested their entire crop by Ursula's day. The male original form of the name is Ursus, while the diminutive form Ursulus (masculine) means 'the little bear'. Other variants of the name include Ursola, Ursulla, Ursine, Ursina, Ursulane, Ursuline, Urschla and Uorschla (Romansh), Ursulina and Orsola (Italian), Orsina, Ursule (French), Urszula and Usia (Polish), Urse, Ursely, Ursly, Ursela, Ursel, Urschel, Worsa (Upper Sorbian), Vorsila and Vorschila (Czech), as well as Orsolya and Orsi (Hungarian). Short and affectionate forms include Uschi, Ulla, Ula, Urseken, Ursle, Urselchen, and Ursi.
Where does the name Ursula come from?
Etymology The girl's name Ursula has a Latin origin. Originally, the name was derived from the expression ursa for 'the bear'. As a diminutive form, it results in the meaning 'the little bear'. The male variant is derived from ursus for 'the bear'. Latin
How do you pronounce Ursula?
Sound & pronunciation of Ursula: The name Ursula is three to four syllables and distinctly structured. In German pronunciation, it is usually spoken as 'Ur-su-la' [ˈʊʁzula], with the consonant combination in the center providing a firm sound form. The open ending on 'a' brings balance to the sound. Ursula appears strong in character and tradition-conscious - stable, clear, and present.
When is the name day of Ursula?
The name day of Ursula is January 20 and October 21.
Popularity
As a female name, Ursula has been present in Germany since the late 19th century and initially remained in the range between the top 100 and top 50 for a long time. In the first decades of the 20th century, Ursula gained significant popularity and gradually moved into the top group of particularly popular names. Its peak phase in Germany occurred from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Nicknames & pet names
Flintenuschi / Sula / Ulla / Ullala / Ulle / Urmel / Urs / Ursa / Ursel / Urselchen / Ursele / Ursi / Ursl / Ursle / Ursu / Ursulina / Ursulinchen / Ursülchen / Usa / Usch / Uscha / Uschi / Uschka / Uschle / Usi / Utti Mutti
Similar first names
Famous people
- Saint Ursula (English princess)
- Saint Ursula of Cologne (martyr (Ursuline Order))
- Helga Ursula 'Uschi' Glas (actress)
- Ursula (character in 'Ariel - The Little Mermaid')
- Ursula Andress (actress)
- Ursula Baatz (Austrian writer)
- Ursula Bloom (writer from England)
- Ursula Buffay (character from the sitcom Friends)
- Ursula Burkowski (author)
- Ursula Buschhorn (German actress)
- Ursula Corbero (actress)
- Ursula Diestel (German actress)
- Ursula Dirichs (German actress)
- Ursula Engelen-Kefer (trade unionist)
- Ursula Freiberger (Mona Freiberg) (Bavarian folk actress, head of the Chiemgau Folk Theater)
- Ursula Happe (swimmer from Germany)
- Ursula Herion (actress (Komödienstadel))
- Ursula Hirst (actress from Great Britain)
- Ursula Holden (writer from Great Britain)
- Ursula Holl (former German footballer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Ursula
What does the name Ursula mean?
The name Ursula has Latin roots and means 'the little bear'. This meaning refers to the diminutive form of the Latin word 'ursa', which stands for 'the bear'.
Is Ursula a common girl's name?
Ursula was very popular in Germany between 1920 and 1960 and was long among the most common girls' names. However, its popularity has declined in recent decades.
Are there suitable nicknames for Ursula?
Yes, there are many affectionate nicknames like Ulla, Uschi, Ursel, or even Sula. These pet names add a personal touch and are often used within the family or among friends.
How is the name Ursula pronounced?
The name Ursula is generally pronounced as 'Ur-sula', with the emphasis on the first syllable. However, there are regional differences in pronunciation.