Felicitas is a female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "felicitas", which means happiness or good fortune. The name Felicitas was popular among ancient Romans and was often given to girls born during times of prosperity or happiness.
In Roman history, there were several notable figures named Felicitas. One of them was Saint Felicity, a Christian martyr who was executed for her faith in the 3rd century AD. She is now considered a saint by the Catholic Church and is celebrated on November 27th.
The name Felicitas has also been popular among royalty throughout history. Queen Felicitas of Lorraine, born Maria Anna Felicitas von Habsburg-Lothringen, was the wife of King Leopold I of Belgium. She served as the Queen Consort from 1865 until her husband's death in 1909.
Today, Felicitas remains a relatively uncommon name but continues to be used by families who appreciate its classic Latin roots and positive meaning. It is often associated with luck, happiness, and good fortune, making it a fitting choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
Statistics on the given name Felisitas show a steady decline in its popularity over time in the United States. In 1924, there were 5 babies named Felisitas. This number increased slightly to 6 in 1927 and then rose again to 7 in 1928. However, from 1929 onwards, the number of births with this name began to decrease, reaching a peak of 10 in that year before dropping back down to 9 in 1930 and 8 in 1931. After no births named Felisitas were recorded between 1932 and 1950, the name made a brief reappearance with 7 babies being given this name in 1951. Overall, there have been a total of 57 births with the name Felisitas in the United States since records began.