Greek Name Day: Ursula, Ursa

Name Days are often named after a Christian saint or martyr and are mainly celebrated in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox countries. On this day, the holy person is celebrated, as well as anyone named after this person. Often, these celebrations are more important than birthdays.

On this day, Saint Ursula is celebrated, who was reportedly a princess from Dumonia (modern day Cornwell in England). She set sail to join her future husband in Armorica (modern Day Brittany) with 11,000 virgin handmaidens, at the request of her father King Dionotus. She was killed with an arrow in a siege during her passing through Cologne.