Find out how popular the first name Ulla has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ulla by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Ulla is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ulla.

The history of the first name Ulla

The name Ulla originates from the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Germanic people of Scandinavia during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). It is a feminine name derived from the Old Norse word "ulli," which means "wool" or "lamb's wool." This name was likely given to girls with blonde or woolly hair in ancient Norse societies.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ulla can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, which are literary works depicting the lives and adventures of Norse settlers in Iceland during the 9th to 11th centuries. In these sagas, Ulla was a common name among Norse women, often associated with beauty, strength, and resilience.

In the 13th century, the name Ulla gained popularity in Sweden, where it was often spelled as "Ulla" or "Hulla." During this period, it was borne by several notable women, including Ulla Jacobsdotter (1292-1349), a Swedish noblewoman and heiress.

As the name spread across Scandinavia, it also found its way into the German language, where it was spelled as "Ulrike" or "Ulrica." One of the most famous bearers of this name was Ulrika Eleonora (1688-1741), a Queen of Sweden who reigned from 1718 to 1720.

In the 19th century, the name Ulla experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Finland and Sweden. One of the most renowned Finnish women with this name was Ulla Tapaninen (1880-1961), a pioneering businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded the Ulla Confectionery Company.

Other notable bearers of the name Ulla include Ulla Jacobsson (1929-1982), a Swedish author and playwright known for her works exploring feminist themes, and Ulla Salzgeber (1942-2022), a German actress and television personality.

Throughout its history, the name Ulla has maintained its connection to the Norse heritage and has been associated with strength, beauty, and resilience. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a beloved name in Scandinavian countries and has also found use in various parts of the world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ulla was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ulla, please contact us.

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