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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Classic and timeless, this masculine first name is attracting more and more parents in France, where it is among the 200 most given. With its history dating back to Roman Antiquity, it embodies happiness and luck, values that have spanned the centuries.
The first name Félix is enjoying real success in France, where it is now in the top 200 most popular male first names. Around 24,000 people currently have this first name in France, proof of its growing popularity and its timeless charm.
A first name of Latin origin
The first name Felix has its roots in Roman Antiquity. It was originally a cognomen, a nickname given to Roman citizens to distinguish their identity. Felix literally means “happy” or “lucky” in Latin, a positive connotation which has undoubtedly contributed to its transmission through the centuries. This name was commonly used in Rome to refer to a person considered blessed by fortune or destiny. It was notably worn by famous figures of the time, such as the Roman general Sylla, nicknamed Felix because of his numerous victories.
The comeback of old and classic first names
According to the authors of the work L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Editions), its meaning predisposed it to an international career, and it did not fail: four popes and a dozen saints illustrated this name in the Middle Ages. It returned to favor in the 19th century in many Western countries, including in France, where Félix Faure, president from 1895 to 1899, illustrated the first name. Its rebound in the 1920s, concomitant with the success of the American cartoon Felix leChatis followed by a half-century eclipse. We can bet that its positive meaning will make it bounce back in the post-covid 2020s. It has remained modern while retaining a classic aura, which explains its presence in the top 200 most popular male first names. Today it embodies the return to old first names.
Heir to a long tradition dating back to Antiquity, it continues to establish itself in France thanks to its classic charm and its positive symbolism. If you are looking for a first name that is elegant, full of sweetness and full of history, Félix is an ideal option for today’s little boys.
Slide: Top 20 old names for boys