What does Felicity mean and where does it come from?
The name Felicity comes from the Latin word 'felicitas', meaning 'happiness' or 'good fortune'. It has been used since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in the 18th century as a given name in English-speaking countries. Notable people with this name include Felicity Huffman, an American actress,
Cultural significance
Felicity has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of happiness.
Peak popularity
Reached #345 in 2017 — currently #455 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Felicity?
Felicity works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Felicity Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Felicity Rose
Floral · soft ending
Felicity Mae
Sweet · timeless
Felicity Claire
French influence · crisp
Felicity Jane
Literary · strong
Felicity Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Felicity right now?
Holding steady — currently #455 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #455 | 679 | ▼ down 2 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #453 | 696 | ▼ down 15 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #438 | 709 | ▼ down 52 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #386 | 796 | ▼ down 27 · -13% births |
| 2015 | #359 | 910 | ▲ up 405 · +154% births |
| 2010 | #764 | 358 | ▼ down 76 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #688 | 402 | ▼ down 242 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #446 | 634 | ▲ up 913 · +424% births |
| 1995 | #1359 | 121 | ▲ up 698 · +86% births |
| 1990 | #2057 | 65 | ▲ up 454 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #2511 | 39 | ▼ down 281 · -13% births |
| 1980 | #2230 | 45 | ▼ down 437 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #1793 | 52 | ▲ up 761 · +79% births |
| 1970 | #2554 | 29 | ▼ down 112 · +16% births |
| 1965 | #2442 | 25 | — |
The story of Felicity
Felicity entered American naming records in 1935 and has been in use for over 89 years. A total of 15,155 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4180 in 1935 to #455 in 2023. Felicity is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Felicity in 2017:
Felicity by decade
Felicity peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 13 | |
| 1940s | 34 | |
| 1950s | 89 | |
| 1960s | 140 | |
| 1970s | 377 | |
| 1980s | 470 | |
| 1990s | 1,799 | |
| 2000s | 4,570 | |
| 2010s ★ | 6,867 | |
| 2020s | 796 | |
What are good nicknames for Felicity?
What names sound and feel like Felicity?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Felicity also consider these
How is Felicity written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Felicity
What does the name Felicity mean?
Felicity means "happiness" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Felicity?
Felicity is currently ranked #455 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Felicity?
Felicity originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Felicity?
Felicity is a four-syllable name pronounced F IH0 L IH1 S AH0 T IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Felicity?
Felicity pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.