Find out how popular the first name Felicita has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Felicita by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Felicita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Felicita.

The history of the first name Felicita

The given name Felicita has its roots in Latin, originating from the word "felicitas" which means happiness or good fortune. It is a feminine form of the Latin word "felix" meaning happy or prosperous. The name can be traced back to ancient Roman times, as early as the 1st century AD.

In ancient Rome, Felicitas was the personification of good luck and prosperity. She was honored as a Roman goddess, often depicted with a caduceus and a cornucopia, symbolizing her association with abundance and good fortune. The name Felicita gained popularity as a personal name among Roman families who wished to bestow the blessings of happiness and prosperity upon their daughters.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Felicita can be found in the accounts of early Christian martyrs. Saint Felicitas, a revered martyr of the 2nd century AD, was a Christian widow executed along with her seven sons during the persecution under the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. Her unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity made her a celebrated figure within the early Christian community.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Felicita. Felicita Benevento, an Italian painter from the 16th century, was renowned for her remarkable skill in religious art and portraiture. Felicita Gasparin, a Swiss writer and educator of the 19th century, was a prominent figure in the women's rights movement and advocated for equal educational opportunities for girls.

Felicita Mendez, a Mexican-American civil rights pioneer, played a crucial role in the landmark desegregation case Mendez v. Westminster in 1947, which paved the way for the later Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Her efforts were instrumental in challenging racial segregation in public schools in California.

Another notable figure was Felicita Bucardo, a Nicaraguan revolutionary and feminist activist, who fought for women's rights and social justice during the Sandinista Revolution in the late 20th century. Her unwavering commitment to the cause of women's empowerment and her leadership during the revolutionary struggle earned her a place in Nicaraguan history.

The name Felicita has transcended cultures and time periods, carrying with it the essence of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. From its ancient Roman origins to its continued use throughout the centuries, this name has been bestowed upon remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Felicita was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Felicita, please contact us.

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