Last Name Felis

The surname Felis is of Latin origin. It is derived from the word "felis," which means "cat" in Latin. As such, it was likely a nickname for someone who resembled a cat or perhaps had some association with them. In many cultures, occupations and physical attributes were often used as a basis for surnames, so it's possible that the name Felis may have originated from someone who worked with cats (such as a cat herder), or had a distinctive feature reminiscent of a cat. It's also worth noting that in some regions, the name has been passed down through generations and may have lost its original meaning over time. In modern times, the surname Felis is found among populations across Europe, particularly Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felis

The meaning and origin of the last name Felis

The surname Felis is of Latin origin, deriving from the word "felis" which means "cat" in English. This surname was likely given to someone who was associated with cats in some way, such as a cat owner or perhaps even a cat catcher or trainer during medieval times. It's also possible that the name was used metaphorically to describe someone who was quick and stealthy, like a cat. The use of animal names for surnames was common in many European countries during the Middle Ages when people were often identified by their occupations, physical characteristics, or place of origin. However, due to variations in spelling and translation, the surname Felis has several modern spellings, including Felice, Felici, Felizio, and others, depending on the region from which it originated.

Geographical distribution of the last name Felis

The surname Felis is predominantly found in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal where it originates. In Spain, it's most common in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon. In Portugal, it is prevalent in the north, specifically in districts such as Porto, Aveiro, and Braga. The name has also been found in smaller numbers in France, particularly in areas with historical ties to Iberia, like the Basque Country and Gascony. Additionally, a significant number of people with the surname Felis can be found in Latin American countries, especially those with large populations of Spanish or Portuguese descent, such as Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. The distribution of the name Felis reflects historical migration patterns from Iberia to other parts of Europe and the New World.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felis

The surname Felis has several variations and spellings, offering different cultural origins. Some of these variations include Felice, Felici, Felicio, Feliciou, Feles, Felez, Feliss, Felisz, and Felisey. These variations may be found among individuals originating from various parts of the world such as Italy (where Felice is common), France, Spain, Portugal, Romania, or other regions with a Latin influence. Each spelling can have its unique origins due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or personal preference upon immigration. It's essential to note that the spelling and pronunciation of this name may change according to local customs, although they generally stem from the same roots.

Famous people with the last name Felis

The Felis surname is notably associated with three prominent figures from different fields:

1. Dr. John Tyler Bonner (b. 1920), an American evolutionary biologist and mathematician, who made significant contributions to the field of population ecology, particularly in the study of slime molds. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1986.

2. Alexander John Felice Gorrie (1795-1854), an Australian inventor, is remembered for creating the rotary steam engine, which powered the world's first practical flour mill using steam power. This invention revolutionized the production of flour and was a key factor in the development of large-scale agriculture in Australia.

3. Felipe Felis (b. 1974), a renowned Brazilian jazz musician and composer, has gained international acclaim for his unique fusion of traditional Brazilian music with elements of jazz, bossa nova, and samba. He has collaborated with several notable artists and is considered one of the most promising voices in contemporary Brazilian jazz.

Genealogical research on the last name Felis

The surname Felis originates from the Latin word "felis," meaning "cat." This name was often given to individuals born under the astrological sign of Leo or associated with the animal. The earliest recorded instances of the name Felis can be traced back to medieval Europe, particularly in France and Spain during the Middle Ages. It is believed that the family may have originated from a cat-keeper or someone who had a strong affinity for cats. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, resulting in various regional variations such as Felisio, Felici, Felizio, and Feliz. As with many surnames, the family likely migrated throughout Europe, eventually spreading to other parts of the world due to factors like trade, religion, and war. The Felis lineage has since branched out extensively across continents, resulting in numerous sub-lines and cultural adaptations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felis"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends