Úrsula: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear".It derives from the Latin word "URSUS > ursa".
Úrsula has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Latin roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Úrsula
Quick facts about Úrsula
Origin
Latin
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
URSUS > ursa
How to Pronounce Úrsula
Úrsula is pronounced /ˈuːrsulɑ/(Latin)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Úrsul-a
Say it like: "OORSOOLAH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across catalan, and portuguese speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
catalanportuguese
Name Relationships
Úrsula is a variant form of Ursula, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Úrsula means "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family.". The name comes from URSUS > ursa. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Úrsula for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Úrsula offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Úrsula?
Úrsula is a latin name. The name traces back to URSUS > ursa. From its latin roots, Úrsula spread to become common in catalan, portuguese. The latin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Úrsula developed as a form of Ursula, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Úrsula a boy or girl name?
Úrsula is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Úrsula has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Úrsula?
Úrsula is pronounced "/ˈuːrsulɑ/". This pronunciation follows la language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Úrsula is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in catalan, portuguese, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Úrsula can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Úrsula?
Úrsula is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Úrsula gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Úrsula's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Úrsula holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Úrsula?
Úrsula is a form of Ursula. Over time, Ursula developed into several variations, with Úrsula emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In latin tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Úrsula might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In catalan and portuguese, Úrsula may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Úrsula commonly used?
Úrsula is common in catalan and portuguese naming traditions. Though latin in origin, Úrsula found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Úrsula into their naming traditions. A child named Úrsula will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Úrsula is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Úrsula?
Úrsula carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “ursus > ursa,” meaning “little female bear.” Saint Ursula is a British Christian saint. Her feast day in the extraordinary form calendar of the Catholic Church is October 21. Because of the lack of accurate information about the anonymous group of holy virgins who, on some uncertain date, were killed at Cologne, their commemoration was omitted from the Catholic calendar of saints for liturgical celebration when it was revised in 1969, but they have been kept in the Roman Martyrology. Sister Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939), was an Austrian-born religious leader. She became a Roman Catholic nun and founded the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus. She is a prominent member of the Ledóchowski family." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Úrsula originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Úrsula sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Úrsula often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In catalan communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.