Ursula

Ursula is a female given name of Latin origin, meaning "little bear" from ursa, the Latin word for bear, with the diminutive suffix -ula.

The name is associated with Saint Ursula, a legendary 4th- or 5th-century martyr in Cologne; her tale, including the story of the 11,000 virgins, helped spread the name across medieval Europe. Variants appear in different languages, including Úrsula in Spanish and Portuguese and Urszula in Polish.

Today Ursula remains common in German- and English-speaking countries, and is used across much of Europe. Notable bearers include writer Ursula K. Le Guin; actress Ursula Andress; and politician Ursula von der Leyen.

In popular culture, Ursula is also the name of the sea witch in Disney's The Little Mermaid.