F
Feminine
French
Meaning & History
Félicité is the French form of Felicitas, a Latin name meaning "good luck, fortune" (from mythology; the Roman goddess Felicitas personified good luck). It derives from Latin felicitās, akin to felix "happy, fortunate." In early Christianity, the name was borne by a 3rd-century saint Felicitas, a slave martyred with her master Perpetua in Carthage, solidifying its use among Christians.
The French name Félicité has been used since the Middle Ages but became especially common in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably influenced by the cult of Saint Felicitas and the virtue name tradition. In English, the cognate is Felicity, also taken up by Puritans as a virtue name; the diminutive Flick is occasionally used in English. Other related forms include Spanish Felicitas, German Felizitas, Hungarian Felicitás (and shortened Zita 2). Saint Félicité de Carthage, a young slave and martyr, remains the main saint associated with the name in the Catholic Church (feast day March 7). French actress Félicité de Buzebière (19th c.) and writer Félicité de Lamennais are notable bearers.
Today, Félicité is considered classic and refined in France, though less common at present; its English counterpart Felicity has seen more modern revival. The name symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and Christian simplicity.
The French name Félicité has been used since the Middle Ages but became especially common in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably influenced by the cult of Saint Felicitas and the virtue name tradition. In English, the cognate is Felicity, also taken up by Puritans as a virtue name; the diminutive Flick is occasionally used in English. Other related forms include Spanish Felicitas, German Felizitas, Hungarian Felicitás (and shortened Zita 2). Saint Félicité de Carthage, a young slave and martyr, remains the main saint associated with the name in the Catholic Church (feast day March 7). French actress Félicité de Buzebière (19th c.) and writer Félicité de Lamennais are notable bearers.
Today, Félicité is considered classic and refined in France, though less common at present; its English counterpart Felicity has seen more modern revival. The name symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and Christian simplicity.