Legend tells us that Ursula was a 4th century princess, daughter of the Christian King Maurus of Brittany.  The pagan King of Anglia coveted Ursula as bride for his son Conanus.  Polite requests for Ursula's hand turned into threats when Maurus refused.  Divine prompting led Ursula to accept the proposal on the condition that Conanus would be baptized and that, for three years prior to marriage, Ursula be allowed to dedicate herself to God so she could make a pilgrimage to Rome.

Surprisingly, Conanus agreed to the demands and was baptized the next day. He joined Ursula who gathered maidens to accompany her on the voyage which was to be taken by ship. In Rome, many people joined the pilgrimage because they were edified by Ursula's piety.
When returning from Rome, Ursula and her companions were caught in a violent storm at sea. The ship was blown off course and they fell into the hands of the Huns near Cologne, Germany, where they were massacred. Attila, the leader, offered to spare Ursula if she would become his wife. Ursula spurned him and was also killed.

In Europe, Ursula quickly became revered as protector and advocate of young women.  Many schools and universities chose her as their patroness.  Angela Merici, well aware of the legend of St. Ursula, and of her virtue and sanctity unto death, chose Ursula as patroness for her community.  Her group of maidens became known as the Company of St. Ursula, now more popularly referred to as Ursulines.