Felix: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Felix mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Latin: Happy and fortunate
Spanish: Lucky

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Felix is pronounced fee-liks

The name Felix has its origins in Latin, where it means "happy" or "fortunate." It was a cognomen in ancient Rome and has since been used in various cultures and languages. Originally a surname, it was later adopted as a nickname by the ancient Roman Sulla, who believed he was blessed with extreme luck from the gods. Felix is also a Roman procurator of Judea in the Bible. The name’s pleasant meaning and historical usage have solidified its place as a timeless choice for boys.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Spanish (Félix), Portuguese, English, German, and Jewish (Ashkenazic): from a medieval personal name (Latin Felix, genitive Felicis, meaning "lucky", "fortunate"). This was a relatively common Roman family name, said to have been first adopted as a nickname by Sulla. It was very popular among early Christians and was borne by a large number of early saints.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Elizabeth Banks

Hugh Grant

Felix in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Felix Unger from The Odd Couple - A meticulous and fussy character who contrasts with his easygoing roommate.
Felix Leiter from James Bond Series - A CIA agent and recurring ally of James Bond.
Felix Dawkins from Orphan Black - A flamboyant and loyal foster brother to the main character, Sarah Manning.
Fix-It Felix Jr. from Wreck-It Ralph - A humble and determined handyman in the video game world.
Felix Gaeta from Battlestar Galactica - A dedicated and principled officer aboard the Battlestar Galactica.

Popularity of the Name Felix

According to Social Security Administration data, Felix has seen a resurgence in popularity, consistently ranking within the top 200 names in recent years. The name Felix, which means "happy" or "fortunate" in Latin, has a rich historical and cultural significance.

Four popes and sixty-seven saints have the name Felix, and it has also been a popular choice for literary characters. Notable individuals named Felix include the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn and the famous cartoon character Felix the Cat. In literature, Félix Grandet is a character in Honoré de Balzac’s novel Eugénie Grandet. The name has also appeared in media with characters such as Felix Unger from the TV series The Odd Couple and Felix Dawkins from the series Orphan Black. This enduring charm and versatility make Felix a timeless choice for many parents.Throughout history, Felix has been a name associated with luck.