Ursula

What does the baby name Ursula mean? Learn about what Ursula means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Ursula - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Ursula: U-R-S-U-L-A, is a 6-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Ursula: UR-sə-lə; UR-syə-lə; UR suh lah
Meaning of Ursula: Little female bear, female bear, strong as a little bear, little she-bear.
Origin of Ursula: The name 'Ursula' has its roots in Latin, and it is derived from the word 'ursa', which means 'bear'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was used as a cognomen, or a third name, to distinguish individuals within a family or clan. It is believed that the name 'Ursula' was given to girls who were born during the month of September, as bears were associated with the constellation Ursa Major, which is prominent in the night sky during that time.; American Names; Disney Names; Latin Names; Nature Names; Portuguese Names; Saints Names; Scandinavian Names; Shakespeare Names; Spanish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Ursula: Orsa; Orsala; Orsaline; Orscha; Orsel; Orselina; Orseline; Orsola; Sula; Ulla; Ursa; Ursala; Ursella; Ursola; Ursule; Ursulina; Ursuline; Ursy; Urzula; Vorsila; Worsola
Popularity of Ursula: The popularity of the name 'Ursula' has fluctuated over time. In the early 20th century, it experienced a notable spike in usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. This can be attributed to the influence of popular literature and films that featured characters with the name 'Ursula'. However, in recent decades, the name has seen a decline in popularity, with fewer parents choosing it for their newborn daughters.; Ursula currently has 166 likes, and is in the top 5% of liked girl's names. The name Meg is slightly more popular than Ursula.

Etymology of Ursula

The linguistic roots of the name 'Ursula' lie in Latin, as mentioned earlier. The Latin word 'ursa' evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *rtko, which means 'bear'. This connection to the mighty and powerful bear adds a sense of strength and resilience to the name 'Ursula'.

Cultural Significance of Ursula

The name 'Ursula' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In ancient Roman mythology, 'Ursula' was the name of a saint who was martyred for her Christian faith. She is often depicted as a strong and courageous figure, which has contributed to the name 's association with bravery and determination.

In addition, the name 'Ursula' has been used in literature and the arts to portray complex and intriguing characters. One notable example is the character 'Ursula' Brangwen in D.H. Lawrence 's novel 'The Rainbow'. 'Ursula' Brangwen is depicted as a strong-willed and independent woman, challenging societal norms and expectations.