What does Ursula mean and where does it come from?
Ursula has Latin origins and is commonly associated with Saint Ursula, who was a Christian martyr. The name has been widely used in European countries, particularly in Germany and among the Catholic community. The name reflects strength and protection, akin to attributes associated with bears in fol
Cultural significance
Ursula has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #445 in 1901 — currently #3902 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ursula?
Ursula works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ursula Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ursula Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ursula Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ursula Claire
French influence · crisp
Ursula Jane
Literary · strong
Ursula Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ursula right now?
Rising fast — up 1389 spots — currently #3902 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3902 | 39 | ▲ up 1389 · +56% births |
| 2022 | #5291 | 25 | ▼ down 1057 · -26% births |
| 2021 | #4234 | 34 | ▲ up 379 · +21% births |
| 2020 | #4613 | 28 | ▼ down 911 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #3702 | 41 | ▲ up 794 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #4496 | 32 | ▲ up 472 · +23% births |
| 2005 | #4968 | 26 | ▼ down 1843 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #3125 | 44 | ▼ down 572 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #2553 | 49 | ▼ down 976 · -49% births |
| 1990 | #1577 | 96 | ▼ down 475 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #1102 | 131 | ▼ down 192 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #910 | 166 | ▼ down 303 · -36% births |
| 1975 | #607 | 261 | ▼ down 52 · -22% births |
| 1970 | #555 | 335 | ▼ down 50 · -6% births |
| 1965 | #505 | 355 | — |
The story of Ursula
Ursula has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. A total of 14,656 babies have received this name. Once ranked #499 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3902 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ursula in 1901:
Ursula by decade
Ursula peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 121 | |
| 1890s | 279 | |
| 1900s | 460 | |
| 1910s | 1,141 | |
| 1920s | 1,441 | |
| 1930s | 1,126 | |
| 1940s | 785 | |
| 1950s | 1,087 | |
| 1960s ★ | 2,808 | |
| 1970s | 2,739 | |
| 1980s | 1,398 | |
| 1990s | 591 | |
| 2000s | 357 | |
| 2010s | 295 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
What are good nicknames for Ursula?
Famous people named Ursula
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Ursula (Renaissance scholar)
Ursula used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
U(
Ursula (historical Roman figure)
Ursula carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ursula?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ursula also consider these
How is Ursula written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ursula
What does the name Ursula mean?
Ursula means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ursula?
Ursula is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ursula have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ursula?
Ursula originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ursula?
Ursula is a three-syllable name pronounced ER1 S AH0 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Ursula?
Ursula pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.