Felix (name)

Felix is a masculine given name that originates from the Latin word felix [ˈfeːliːks] (genitive felicis [feːˈliːkɪs]), meaning "happy", "lucky", "fortunate", "successful", or "fruitful". Its original meaning was "fruit-bearing", in reference to fruitful trees, arbor felix. The feminine forms are Felicia or Felicity. The name was popularized by Roman emperors and early Christian saints. In Roman mythology, Felix was one of four sons of the god Saturn and Roman mortal Entoria. The name was used as an agnomen, or nickname, by the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla (138-78 BC) to denote his good fortune in war. It was also bestowed upon the Legio IV Flavia, a legion of the Imperial Roman army founded in 70 AD by the emperor Vespasian. It was used later as an imperial title, beginning with Commodus (161-192), who adopted it around 184 AD after military successes in Britain and Sarmatia. It would continue to be used by later emperors, including Aurelian (214-275). In modern usage, Felix has maintained its popularity in various cultures, especially in English, German, and Scandinavian-speaking countries. In Romance languages such as French, Portuguese, and Spanish, the acute accent form "Félix" is commonly used. The Italian form of the name is "Felice", and its Polish and Serbian form is "Feliks". Notable people with the name include: