Ursa
Meaning of Ursa
Ursa is a feminine appellation of Latin derivation, originating from the term ursus, meaning “bear,” and has historically been entwined with the celestial constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, thereby conferring upon it an enduring astronomical and mythological resonance. In classical Latin it is articulated /ˈɜrsə/ (UR-suh), while in Italian and Romanian contexts it assumes the phonetic form /ˈur.sa/ (OOR-sah), a duality that attests to its cross-cultural adaptability. Although it falls well outside the upper echelons of contemporary naming charts, Ursa’s modest but persistent appearances in United States birth records—seven occurrences and a rank of 943rd in 2024, fifteen in 2023, eight in both 2021 and 2022—reflect a pattern of selective revival following its initial registrations in the 1920s (seven births, rank 609 in 1924; five births, rank 592 in 1929). Such statistical oscillations highlight the name’s appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded choice, one that evokes both classical heritage and an understated connection to the natural world. Its rare but consistent presence underscores Ursa’s status as a cultivated alternative within Anglo-American naming traditions, prized for its scholarly pedigree and subtle strength.
Pronunciation
Italian,Romanian
- Pronunced as OOR-sah (/'ur.sa/)
Latin
- Pronunced as UR-suh (/ˈɜrsə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Ursa
| Urša Raukar-Gamulin - |
| Ursa Louis Freed - |
