Felicitas

Meaning & origin

The name Felicitas has a long and storied history rooted in ancient Rome. It was the name of a Roman goddess of good fortune, and later adopted by early Christians as a virtue name, most notably by the 2nd-century martyr Saint Felicitas. In the United States, Felicitas peaked in popularity in 1928, though it has never been a top 1000 name in recent decades. Its trajectory has remained stable, indicating a small but consistent niche of use. The name is most commonly found in Hispanic and Catholic communities, reflecting its Latin origins and religious associations. Though it has no recorded rank in 2025, Felicitas continues to be chosen by families seeking a distinctive and meaningful name with classical resonance.

Felicitas is directly taken from the Latin noun felicitas, meaning happiness, good luck, or fertility. In ancient Rome, Felicitas was the name of a goddess of good fortune, and the name was used as a virtue name by early Christians, honoring the concept of blessedness. It has been used across Europe, particularly in Catholic countries, often associated with the 2nd-century martyr Saint Felicitas.