Felicia is a charming and elegant female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'felix', which means 'happy' or 'lucky'. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to its association with St. Felicitas, an early Christian martyr whose feast day was celebrated on November 23rd. The name Felicia is composed of three distinct elements: 'fe-', meaning 'happy', '-licia', a feminine suffix common in Latin names, and '-a', a vowel added to form the feminine version of the name. Throughout history, Felicia has been used by several notable figures, such as Felicia Hemans, a prominent English poetess of the Romantic era, and Felicia Blumenthal, a German-American writer known for her work in silent films. Today, Felicia continues to be admired for its timeless charm and classic elegance, making it a beloved choice among parents seeking a sophisticated yet approachable name for their daughters.
The name Felicia experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the decades, peaking between 1964 and 1974 with an average of around 75 births per year during this period. However, it began to decline significantly from 1975 onwards, reaching its lowest point in recent years with fewer than 20 births annually since 2003. Overall, Felicia was a popular choice among parents for about three decades, but its popularity has since waned considerably.