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Origin and meaning of the name Ursula

What is the origin of the name Ursula?

Ursula is a female given name of Old German origin, derived from "ursa" meaning "little bear" and "-hildr" which can mean battle-wolf, war-warrior, or battle-dispute. It is believed to have been popularized by Saint Ursula, a legendary British princess and martyr venerated in the Catholic Church. The story of Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand companions has been the subject of many legends and artistic works throughout history.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Ursula

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Ursula

Ursula is a female given name of Old German origin, derived from "ursa" meaning bear and "-hildr" meaning battle-field or fighter. The compounding of these elements gives the name an association with a fierce and powerful warrior or protector, similar to a bear in its natural environment. In early Christian history, Saint Ursula is revered as a legendary martyr who led a large group of virgin followers on a pilgrimage, only to be slain by Hun invaders. This story added further significance to the name, as it embodied both strength and martyrdom. The name Ursula has been popular in various countries throughout history and remains a common name across many cultures today.

Character traits associated with the name Ursula

Ursula is often characterized by intelligence, resilience, and a strong sense of empathy. She is known for her profound wisdom, making her an excellent advisor in times of need. Her resilience shines through as she consistently navigates challenges with determination and grace. Ursula's empathetic nature allows her to connect deeply with others, fostering strong relationships built on understanding and compassion. She possesses a great capacity for intuition, enabling her to perceive situations and people with unusual clarity. Her leadership qualities are evident in her ability to inspire and guide those around her, making her an influential figure. However, her strong-willed nature can sometimes lead to stubbornness, requiring patience from others when convincing her of a new perspective. Overall, Ursula's unique blend of intelligence, resilience, empathy, intuition, and leadership make her a truly remarkable individual.

Popularity of the name Ursula

The name Ursula has been used for centuries and holds considerable historical significance across various cultures. Originating from Germanic roots, the name means "little female bear" or "small fierce one". In terms of popularity, its usage has varied significantly over time and geography. For instance, in the United States, it was quite popular during the late 1950s and early 1960s, peaking at rank 37 in 1960. However, since then, its usage has decreased, with it being less commonly used today. In the UK, Ursula's popularity also peaked around the same time but has remained relatively low compared to other names. Nonetheless, Ursula is still a name that resonates with some parents due to its unique sound and historical significance.

Famous people with the name Ursula

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018) was an acclaimed American science fiction and fantasy writer, best known for her Earthsea series, which includes "A Wizard of Earthsea" and "The Tombs of Atuan." Her works are renowned for their intricate world-building and exploration of complex themes such as identity, power, and ethics. Another notable figure named Ursula is Ursula Andress (born 1936), a Swiss-born actress who gained international fame for her role as Honey Rider in the 1962 James Bond film "Dr. No." Andress is often recognized as one of the first Bond girls and made significant contributions to the development of the character archetype that continues to influence contemporary cinema. Furthermore, Ursula Veronica Kraus, known professionally as Ursula Oscar (1877-1954), was an Austrian operatic soprano who had a successful career in Europe and America from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. She is particularly remembered for her interpretations of works by Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Giuseppe Verdi.

Variations of the name Ursula

Ursula is a popular female given name, originally derived from the Old High German 'Ursala' which means 'little female bear.' The name has several variations across different languages and cultures. Here are some of them:

* Ursula (English): This is the most common form of the name. It can also be spelled as Urlia, Ursel, or Orsola in some regions.
* Orsolina (Italian): A diminutive of Orsola, it means 'little bear.'
* Urszula (Polish): This is the Polish form of the name, and it can also be spelled as Urszula or Urszulka in various regions.
* Uršula (Slovene and Croatian): The Slovene and Croatian version of the name is similar to its Polish counterpart but has a different origin, derived from the Old High German 'Ursa' which means 'she-bear.'
* Orsula (Spanish): A variant of Ursula in Spanish-speaking regions.
* Oursule (French): This is the French form of the name and can also be spelled as Oursel or Ursule.
* Urška (Slovene): A diminutive of Ursula, it means 'little bear' like Orsolina in Italian.
* Ursi (German): A short form of Ursula, meaning 'little female bear.'

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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