Ursola / Ursula / Orsola

Ursola is a variant of Ursula, a name derived from the Latin word 'ursula', which is a diminutive of 'ursa' meaning 'she-bear'. The name gained prominence through Saint Ursula, a legendary British princess who, according to medieval tradition, was martyred with 11,000 virgins in Cologne during the 4th or 5th century. Her cult was very popular in the Middle Ages, especially in Germany and England, leading to the widespread use of the name.

The name has been in use since at least the 12th century and has appeared in various forms across different European languages. While 'Ursula' is the more common spelling, 'Ursola' is a less frequent but recognized variant, particularly in some Romance language-speaking regions or as a historical spelling. Its meaning connects it to strength and maternal protection, often associated with the symbolism of bears.