What does Felissa mean and where does it come from?
Felissa is a modern name that appears to be a derivative of the name Felicia, which has Latin origins and means 'happy' or 'fortunate.' Although Felissa is less common than its counterparts, it possesses a unique flair and has captured the interest of some parents seeking distinctive names for their
Cultural significance
Felissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of happy; fortunate.
Peak popularity
Reached #3845 in 1970 — currently #1841 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Felissa?
Felissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Felissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Felissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Felissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Felissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Felissa Jane
Literary · strong
Felissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Felissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1841 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1841 | 359 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1846 | 339 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #1851 | 309 | ▲ up 9934 · +5050% births |
| 1990 | #11785 | 6 | ▼ down 809 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #10976 | 5 | ▼ down 4724 · -44% births |
| 1975 | #6252 | 9 | ▼ down 2407 · -44% births |
| 1970 | #3845 | 16 | ▲ up 1379 · +100% births |
| 1965 | #5224 | 8 | ▲ up 1977 · +60% births |
| 1960 | #7201 | 5 | — |
The story of Felissa
Felissa entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 282 total births recorded, Felissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7201 in 1960 to #1841 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Felissa in 1970:
Felissa by decade
Felissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 81 | |
| 1970s ★ | 117 | |
| 1980s | 54 | |
| 1990s | 24 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
💎Felissa has only 282 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Felissa?
What names sound and feel like Felissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Felissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Felissa
What does the name Felissa mean?
Felissa means "happy; fortunate" — a name rooted in American 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 Felissa?
Felissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Felissa?
Felissa originates from American tradition. American 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 Felissa?
Felissa is a three-syllable name pronounced F EH1 L IH1 S AH0. 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 Felissa?
Felissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.