Fortune Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: FOR-tune //ˈfɔːr.tʃuːn//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: luck; English: good fortune
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Fortune derives from the Latin word "fortuna," which means "luck" or "chance." This term is rooted in the Roman goddess Fortuna, who personified luck and fate, often depicted with a wheel symbolizing the unpredictable nature of fortune. The transition of the name into English occurred through the Old French "fortune," which carried the same meaning, before being adopted into Middle English during the medieval period.
The linguistic journey reflects a broader cultural appreciation for the concepts of luck and fate, which were significant in both Roman and medieval societies. Historically, the name Fortune has been associated with various figures and narratives.
In Roman mythology, Fortuna was revered, and her influence extended into early Christian texts, where she was often contrasted with divine providence. The name appears in literature and art throughout the Middle Ages, symbolizing the duality of fortune as both a blessing and a curse.
Notably, the concept of fortune is explored in works such as Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" in the 14th century, where it is depicted as a fickle force in human affairs. Culturally, the name Fortune carries connotations of prosperity and serendipity, often evoking a sense of hope and possibility.
In various traditions, the notion of fortune has been celebrated in festivals and rituals aimed at attracting good luck. The name's association with the goddess and the broader themes of fate and chance have contributed to its enduring resonance in literature and folklore.
While diminutive forms or variations may exist, the name Fortune itself encapsulates a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance that reflects humanity's relationship with luck and destiny.
Famous people named Fortune
In this section, you will find notable people named Fortune. 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 Fortune who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Fortune 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.
Fortune Feimster is a comedian and actress best known for The Mindy Project, Chelsea Lately, and her stand-up specials.
Fortune Cookie is a fictional character best known for being a mascot in various Chinese restaurants and pop culture references.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Fortune, 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 Fortune. 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 Fortune was first seen in the United States in 1915.
Fortune has ranked as high as #8168 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in New York.
In the past 5 years the name Fortune has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Fortune 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 Fortune 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 Fortune.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 | 9 | 10 |
| 2024 | 20 | 8 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 | 12 | 9 |
| 2022 | 25 | 12 | 13 |
| 2021 | 28 | 14 | 14 |
| 2020 | 22 | 7 | 15 |
| 2019 | 19 | 6 | 13 |
| 2018 | 17 | 6 | 11 |
| 2017 | 21 | 6 | 15 |
| 2016 | 16 | 5 | 11 |
| 2015 | 17 | 10 | 7 |
| 2014 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| 2013 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2012 | 17 | 5 | 12 |
| 2011 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2010 | 13 | 5 | 8 |
| 2009 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
| 2008 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2007 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2006 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
| 2005 | 16 | 5 | 11 |
| 2004 | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| 2002 | 13 | 5 | 8 |
| 2001 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2000 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 1999 | 14 | 5 | 9 |
| 1998 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1997 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1996 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1992 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1991 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1989 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1988 | 13 | 5 | 8 |
| 1987 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1985 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1982 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1975 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1970 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1960 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1957 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1924 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1922 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| 1916 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| 1915 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Top States for Fortune (2017)
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.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 7 |