Francis - name meaning, origin

The boy's name Francis \f-ran-c

is pronounced FRAN-sis. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "frenchman; free man". France was originally the kingdom of the Franks. Saint Francis of Assisi (12th century) is remembered as the gentle giant who delighted in God's works as revealed by nature. Frances is the feminine form; Francois (frah-SWAH) is popular in France. Musician Francis Sinatra, also known as Frank; philosopher Sir Francis Bacon; composer Franz Josef Haydn; King Francois I of France; playwright Ferenc Molnar; French president Francois Mitterrand; film director Francis Ford Coppola; "Star Spangled Banner" author Francis Scott Key; football players Fran Tarkenton, Franco Harris.

Francis has 36 variant forms: Chico, Ferenc, Feri, Fran, Franco, Francesco, Franche, Franchesco, Franchesko, Franchot, Francisco, Franciscus, Franciskus, Francois, Franio, Frank, Frankie, Franko, Frann, Frannie, Frans, Fransisco, Frants, Frantz, Franz, Franzel, Franzen, Franzin, Frasco, Frascuelo, Frasquito, Paco, Pacorro, Panchito, Pancho and Paquito.

Francis is a very common first name for men (#127 out of 1220) and also a very common last name for both men and women (#385 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy name Francis. Compare Francis with its variant forms and related boy names.

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