Felissa Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: feh-LIS-ah /fɛˈlɪsə/
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: happy; English: derived from Felicity
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Felissa is believed to have its roots in the Latin word "felis," which means "cat." This etymological connection suggests a link to the qualities often associated with cats, such as independence and grace. The name likely evolved through various linguistic influences, including the transition from Latin to Old French, where it may have taken on forms that were more phonetically aligned with the vernacular of the time.
Eventually, it made its way into English usage, particularly in the context of names that evoke nature or animal characteristics. Historically, the name Felissa does not have a well-documented presence in ancient texts or notable figures, which makes it less prominent than other names derived from Latin or French.
However, the association with cats may have cultural significance, as cats have been revered in various societies throughout history, including ancient Egypt, where they were considered sacred animals. This reverence for cats could have contributed to the name's appeal in certain cultural contexts, especially in literature and folklore.
In terms of cultural resonance, Felissa may evoke a sense of femininity and elegance, aligning with the traits often attributed to cats. The name's soft phonetic quality enhances its lyrical nature, making it appealing in poetic and artistic expressions.
While it may not have a plethora of historical milestones or notable bearers, the name's connection to the feline world and its graceful connotations provide a unique charm. Diminutive forms or variations, such as Feli or Lissa, may also exist, reflecting the name's adaptability and the broader tradition of creating affectionate or familiar versions of names.
Famous people named Felissa
In this section, you will find notable people named Felissa. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Felissa who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Felissa who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Felissa Rose is an actress best known for Sleepaway Camp, The Last House on the Left, and Victor Crowley.
Felissa R. is a singer and songwriter best known for her work in the music industry and collaborations with various artists.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Felissa, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Felissa. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Felissa was first seen in the United States in 1960.
Felissa has ranked as high as #5626 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Felissa has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Felissa is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Felissa was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Felissa.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 6 |
| 1994 | 6 | 6 |
| 1992 | 6 | 6 |
| 1991 | 6 | 6 |
| 1990 | 6 | 6 |
| 1989 | 8 | 8 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1987 | 5 | 5 |
| 1986 | 8 | 8 |
| 1983 | 5 | 5 |
| 1982 | 9 | 9 |
| 1981 | 9 | 9 |
| 1980 | 5 | 5 |
| 1979 | 14 | 14 |
| 1978 | 8 | 8 |
| 1977 | 10 | 10 |
| 1976 | 7 | 7 |
| 1975 | 9 | 9 |
| 1974 | 11 | 11 |
| 1973 | 15 | 15 |
| 1972 | 11 | 11 |
| 1971 | 16 | 16 |
| 1970 | 16 | 16 |
| 1969 | 14 | 14 |
| 1968 | 11 | 11 |
| 1967 | 9 | 9 |
| 1966 | 11 | 11 |
| 1965 | 8 | 8 |
| 1964 | 10 | 10 |
| 1963 | 6 | 6 |
| 1962 | 7 | 7 |
| 1960 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Felissa
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.