Behind the Name
the etymology and history of first names
Login   Register
Search

View Name: Felix


FELIX
GENDER: Masculine
USAGE: German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, English, Romanian, Ancient Roman, Biblical, Biblical Latin
PRONOUNCED: FE-liks (German), FAY-liks (Dutch), FEE-liks (English)   [key]
Meaning & History
From a Roman cognomen meaning "lucky, successful" in Latin. It was acquired as an agnomen, or nickname, by the 1st-century BC Roman general Sulla. It also appears in the New Testament belonging to the governor of Judea who imprisoned Saint Paul.

Due to its favourable meaning, this name was popular among early Christians, being borne by many early saints and four popes. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages, though it has been more popular in continental Europe. A notable bearer was the German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847).

Related Names
OTHER LANGUAGES: Phelix (Biblical Greek), Feliu (Catalan), Félicien, Félix (French), Felice, Feliciano (Italian), Felicianus, Felicius (Late Roman), Felicjan, Feliks (Polish), Feliciano, Félix (Portuguese), Feliks (Russian), Feliks (Slovene), Feliciano, Félix (Spanish)
Popularity
United States  ranked #311 
Australia (NSW)  ranked #95 
Austria  ranked #14 
Denmark  ranked #38 
France  ranked #168 
Netherlands  ranked #253 
Norway  ranked #77 
Sweden  ranked #54 
SEE ALSO
FÉLIX


Home About | Copyright © | Terms | Contact
Advertising served by SheKnows Family