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Origin and meaning of the name Felicia

What is the origin of the name Felicia?

The name Felicia is of Latin origin. It derives from the word "felix," which means happy or fortunate in Latin. The feminine form Felicia was used in ancient Rome and became a popular given name during the Middle Ages. In modern times, it remains a common name in many Western countries, particularly in English-speaking nations such as England, the United States, and Australia.

Learn more about the origin of the name Felicia

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Felicia

The name Felicia is of Latin origin, derived from the word 'felix,' which means "happy" or "lucky." This name has been in use since ancient Roman times and was popularized by early Christians due to Saint Felicity, a third-century martyr who, along with her seven daughters, was persecuted for their faith. The saint's story emphasizes the positive connotations of the name, as Felicity's character symbolized strength, endurance, and happiness even in the face of adversity. Over time, the name has been adopted across various cultures, maintaining its original meaning of good fortune and joy. It is a popular female given name in many English-speaking countries, as well as parts of Europe and Africa.

Character traits associated with the name Felicia

Felicia is often characterized by an energetic and vibrant demeanor. She is known for her adaptability, making her well-suited to navigate through various social environments effortlessly. Her natural charisma draws people towards her, fostering strong interpersonal connections. Felicia is also highly intelligent and creative, which makes her an excellent problem solver. She possesses a keen sense of empathy, allowing her to understand others' feelings and needs effectively. Felicia's determination and ambition drive her to pursue her goals with unwavering focus. Her versatility in learning new skills and ideas, combined with her resilience, ensures that she consistently overcomes challenges with grace and tenacity. Overall, Felicia embodies a dynamic blend of intelligence, creativity, empathy, adaptability, determination, and ambition.

Popularity of the name Felicia

Felicia is a popular female given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "felix" which means happy or fortunate. Throughout history, Felicia has been widely used in various cultures, particularly in Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the U.S., Felicia ranked among the top 200 most popular girls' names from 1900 until the mid-1960s, with a peak position at number 74 in 1957. The name saw a resurgence in popularity again in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its highest rank since 1957 at number 132 in 1993. Despite a decline in usage over the past two decades, Felicia remains a well-known and beloved name today, continuing to be chosen by parents for their daughters due to its pleasant sound, historical significance, and positive meaning.

Famous people with the name Felicia

Felicia is a name that has been associated with numerous accomplished individuals across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Felicia Day, an American actress and singer, is well-known for her roles in web series like The Guild and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Another notable figure is Felicia Sonmez, an award-winning journalist who has worked with The Washington Post and CNN. In the world of science, Felicia Aldrich was a groundbreaking American entomologist who made significant contributions to the study of bees in the early 20th century. Lastly, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, born in South Africa, is an acclaimed actress and humanitarian who has played pivotal roles in several South African films and television series. These women exemplify the versatility and achievements associated with the name Felicia.

Variations of the name Felicia

The name Felicia has several variations and derivatives across different languages and cultures. Some common alternative forms include Felizia, Felicita, Félice, Felícia, Felícité, Felíciaa, Felicija, Fe-Li-Ci-A, Phèlixe, and Felicjia, among others. These variations may stem from different languages such as Italian (Felicità), French (Phèlixe), or Slavic languages like Polish (Felicjia). In some cases, the name can be shortened to Felixa or Feli for a more informal usage. It is important to note that while these variations may sound similar to Felicia, they could have distinct meanings or origins in their respective cultures and languages. Always verify the correct spelling and cultural significance of names when using them.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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