Names/Felix/Felix Baumgartner
AthleteAustrian1969 – present

Felix Baumgartner

Red Bull Stratos, breaking the sound barrier in freefall

Biography

Felix Baumgartner (born 1969) is an Austrian skydiver, BASE jumper, and daredevil known for pushing the boundaries of human achievement in extreme sports. His most famous accomplishment came on October 14, 2012, during the Red Bull Stratos project, when he jumped from a helium balloon at 38,969.4 meters (127,852.4 feet)—nearly 39 kilometers above Earth. During the freefall, Baumgartner broke the sound barrier, becoming the first human to do so without vehicular power, reaching speeds of 1,357.6 km/h (843.6 mph). The jump garnered massive global attention, with over 8 million live viewers on YouTube. Before Stratos, Baumgartner had already established himself as one of the world's premier BASE jumpers, with hundreds of successful jumps from buildings, cliffs, and aircraft. He has won multiple world championships and set numerous records in the sport. Baumgartner's achievements represent the pinnacle of human courage, preparation, and technological innovation, combining athletic skill with scientific advancement to achieve feats previously thought impossible.

The Name Felix

Felix, meaning 'fortunate,' aptly describes Baumgartner's remarkable survival and success in one of the world's most dangerous athletic pursuits.

Quick Facts
Category

Athlete

Nationality

Austrian

Born

1969

Thinking about the name

Felix

Latin origin

From the Latin 'felix,' meaning 'happy,' 'fortunate,' or 'blessed.' Felix was borne by multiple early Christian saints and Roman emperors, lending it both spiritual gravitas and classical authority. The name has experienced a major revival in recent decades, particularly in Scandinavian and German-speaking countries, where it's become a fashionable choice for its uplifting meaning and crisp, modern sound.