Ulla is a name of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Denmark and Norway. It is a short form of the name Ulrica or Ultheda, which are derived from the Old Norse name Yliríkr, consisting of the elements "ýlr" meaning "warlike" and "-ríkr" meaning "powerful".
The name Ulla has been used in Scandinavia for centuries, but it gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century. It was particularly popular among farmers and rural communities during this time.
While there is no specific historical figure associated with the name Ulla, it has been carried by notable individuals throughout history. For instance, Ulla Hoppe was a Danish gymnast who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Today, Ulla remains a popular given name in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark and Norway. It is also used occasionally in other parts of Europe and North America. Despite its warlike origins, Ulla has evolved into a charming and endearing name that evokes images of grace and elegance.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Ulla has had varying levels of popularity in the United States over the past century. The name first appeared in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) records in 1899 with five births reported that year. This level of popularity persisted for several decades, with five births recorded annually between 1918 and 1924.
After a brief dip in popularity during the middle of the century, Ulla started to gain traction again in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Between 1957 and 1975, there were consistently five births per year, with one notable spike in 1966 when six babies were named Ulla.
However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Ulla began to see significant growth in popularity once again. Between 2007 and 2023, there were a total of 48 births recorded for girls named Ulla, with peak years being 2017 (7 births) and 2021-2023 (6 births each year). This recent trend suggests that the name Ulla may be experiencing renewed interest among parents in the United States.
In total, from 1899 to 2023, there have been 97 babies named Ulla born in the United States. While this number is relatively small compared to more popular names, it demonstrates that Ulla has maintained a consistent presence in American naming culture over time.