The name Ursula evokes a sense of classic charm and a touch of the wild. But how popular is the name Ursula, and what does it truly mean? Here’s a deep dive into everything you need to know about this distinctive name.
(Ursula) derives from the Latin word "ursa," meaning "little she-bear." This connection to the bear lends the name a sense of strength, courage, and a protective spirit. The name also has celestial ties; Ursa Minor is the Little Bear constellation, home to the North Star, further enriching the name with a sense of guidance and direction.
Ursula Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
While Ursula might not be topping popularity charts today, its history reveals a fascinating story of ebb and flow. Let’s examine the data to understand its trajectory:
The provided data from SSA.gov shows the name’s popularity trends from 1910 to 2023.
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Early 20th Century (1910-1940): Ursula consistently ranked within the top 750 names, indicating moderate popularity. Births peaked in 1913 with 64 births, representing 0.0113% of female births.
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Mid-Century Decline (1940-1960): A noticeable decline occurred in the mid-20th century. By 1945, it ranked 960, and births decreased to 28, representing 0.0023% of births.
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The 1960s Resurgence: The name experienced a significant revival in the 1960s, reaching its peak popularity in 1967, ranked at 476 with 352 births, accounting for 0.0232% of female births. This may be attributed to cultural trends or popular figures bearing the name.
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Late 20th Century Fluctuations: After the high of the 1960s, Ursula’s popularity gradually decreased, with occasional minor rebounds.
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21st Century Rarity: In the 21st century, Ursula has become a less common choice. While it occasionally appears in the rankings, the number of births is quite low, and it is often unranked.
The data reveals that Ursula had its heyday in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s. While it’s less common today, its unique sound and meaningful origin make it a distinctive choice. The name’s presence is tracked in Washington D.C. where 7 births have been recorded since 1910, with the most recent being in 2020 with 7 births recorded.
Names Like Ursula: Exploring Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Ursula but want to explore other options, consider these categories:
Diminutives:
- Nullie: A sweet and simple diminutive.
- Utsi: A German diminutive, adding a touch of international flair.
Variants:
- Ursa: A direct and powerful name, meaning "little she-bear."
- Ursala: A Scandinavian variant with the same meaning.
- Orsola: Another Scandinavian variant, emphasizing the "little she-bear" meaning.
- Ulla: Scandinavian origin, with the meaning "Will, determination"
Sound-Alike Names:
- Ersila/Ersilia: Spanish names meaning "delicate," offering a similar sound with a different connotation.
Similar Names:
- Petula: A Latin name meaning "pertness," providing a slightly different feel while retaining a classic charm.
Conclusion
Ursula is a name rich in history and meaning. Its connection to the bear symbolizes strength and protection, while its association with the stars adds a touch of wonder and guidance. Though its popularity has fluctuated over time, Ursula remains a unique and memorable name for those seeking something distinctive.