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.
The name Ulla has been popular throughout the past century, with periods of increased popularity around the 1920s and again from the mid-2010s onwards. The highest number of births in a single year was recorded in 2020, with seven occurrences.