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Felix
Pronounced FEE-liks /ˈfiː.lɪks/High
Meaning: Happy, fortunate, blessedHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Felix derives from the Latin adjective felix, meaning 'happy, fortunate, auspicious.' It was a popular Roman cognomen: the general Sulla styled himself Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix in the 1st century BCE. The name was embraced by early Christians, and four popes took the name Felix. Several saints bore it, ensuring its survival through the medieval period.
Felix remained in steady use across Catholic Europe throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In the English-speaking world it was less common but never extinct. The 21st century has brought a strong global revival: it is now a top-50 name in many European countries and has climbed steadily in the U.S., prized for its cheerful meaning and crisp two-syllable sound.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)German composer of the Romantic era, wrote the 'Wedding March.'
- ★Felix Hernandez (b. 1986)Venezuelan-American MLB pitcher, eight-time All-Star.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Felix mean?
Felix is from Latin and means 'happy, fortunate, and blessed.' It was a popular Roman name and later a papal name.
How do you pronounce Felix?
It's pronounced FEE-liks (/ˈfiː.lɪks/) — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Felix a boy or girl name?
Felix is predominantly a boy's name; Felicia and Felicity are the feminine counterparts.
How popular is Felix?
Felix has been rising steadily in the U.S. and is now a top-200 boys' name, with even higher rankings in several European countries.