The name Felice is a given name of Italian origin. It derives from the Latin word "felix," meaning "happy" or "fortunate." The name can be traced back to ancient Roman times.

In early Christian tradition, Felice was the name of several martyrs and saints venerated by the Catholic Church. One of the earliest recorded examples is Saint Felice of Trier, a 3rd-century martyr who was beheaded during the Diocletian persecution.

Another notable figure was Felice da Prato, an Italian Franciscan friar and theologian who lived in the 14th century. He was known for his influential writings on the teachings of John Duns Scotus.

During the Renaissance, the name Felice became popular among Italian nobility and intellectuals. One famous bearer was Felice Della Rovere, an Italian humanist and cardinal who lived from 1483 to 1536. He was a patron of the arts and a close friend of the artist Raphael.

In the 17th century, Felice Centini was an Italian composer and organist who made significant contributions to the development of the early Baroque style of music.

Another notable figure was Felice Orsini, an Italian revolutionary and leader of the Carbonari secret society, who lived from 1819 to 1858. He was involved in several attempts to overthrow the Papal States and unify Italy.

Despite its Italian roots, the name Felice has also been used in other cultures and languages. In French, it is rendered as Félice, and in Spanish, it can be spelled as Felicia or Felisa.