Felissa is a unique and beautiful name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "felix," which means "happy" or "lucky." The name Felissa was popularized during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.
The name Felissa is believed to have been first used as a feminine form of Felix, a name that was quite popular among early Christians. It is also thought to have been influenced by the Latin word "feles," which means "cat." However, there is no evidence to suggest that cats were associated with this name in ancient times.
Throughout history, Felissa has been used as both a given name and a surname. Some notable figures who bear this name include Felissa Langer, an American violinist, and Felissa Rose, an American actress known for her roles in horror films.
While the name Felissa is not particularly common today, it remains a unique and charming choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful significance. Its Latin origins give it a classic feel, while its unique spelling sets it apart from other names with similar meanings, such as Felicity or Felicia.
The name Felissa has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1960 and 2003, there were a total of 282 babies named Felissa born in the U.S.
The most popular year for the name Felissa was 1970, with 16 births. This peak in popularity continued into 1971, also with 16 births. The name's popularity began to decline after these years, reaching a low point in 1983 with only 5 births.
Interestingly, the name Felissa experienced a slight resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 8 births in 1986 and 8 births in 1989. This trend continued into the mid-1990s, with 6 births each year from 1990 to 1992.
After 1994, there was another significant drop in the number of babies named Felissa born in the U.S., reaching a low of just 5 births in both 1987 and 1988. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with only 6 births recorded in 2003.
Overall, while Felissa was once a moderately popular name in the United States, its popularity has since declined significantly. However, it is still possible to find individuals named Felissa born throughout different decades.