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Franklin

What does Franklin mean?

Franklin Pronunciation of Franklin as a boys' name is pronounced FRANK-lin. It is of Middle English origin, and the meaning of Franklin is "free man". Transferred use of the surname, from frankeleyn, denoting a man not of noble birth but a free landowner, usually a prosperous farmer. The word is derived from Old French franc, meaning "free" and "Frankish". Freemen and Franks are related via Latin francālia, which originally referred to lands held by Franks, and were not subject to taxes. Used as homage to statesman and scientist Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 1930s and 1940s. President Franklin Pierce (1853-1857) was less influential in inspiring the use of this name.

STARTS WITH Fr-

ASSOCIATED WITH surname, noble, prosperous (wealthy), farmer, old

Variations

VARIANTS Francklin, Francklyn, Frank, Franklinn, Franklyn, Franklynn

CREATIVE FORMS
(male)

(female)


MIDDLE NAME PAIRINGS
Franklin Gino (F.G.), ..

How popular is Franklin?

Franklin is a very popular first name for males (#216 out of 1220, Top 18%) and also a very popular surname for both adults and children (#236 out of 150436, Top 1%). (2000 U.S. DEMOGRAPHICS)

Franklin reached its top position of #70 in the U.S. in the 1930s, and is presently at #435. (TOP BABY NAMES, 2018)

Top 2000 baby names ranking of Franklin name in U.S.

Top 100 baby names ranking of Franklin outside U.S.

Which version is better?

Frank (#392 IN 2018) and Franklyn are the prominent variation forms of Franklin (#435). Adoption of these forms of Franklin was at its most widespread during the years 1880-1889 (MEDIAN #505) and is now much diminished (#942, 97.2% LESS USAGE), with versions such as Franklin becoming less fashionable.



Top 2000 baby names ranking of Franklin, Frank, Franklyn in U.S.

Top 100 baby names ranking of Frank outside U.S.

Similar Names

Suggested similar-sounding names are Brandin, Branlie, Brantin, Brantlie (see Brand), Braylin, Ffransis, Franc, Franche, Franchot, Francis, Franck, Francke, Franco, Francois, Franio, Frankie, Franko, Franky, Frann, Frannie, Frans, Franz, Franzel, Franzen, Franzi, Franzin, Macklin and Rankin. These names tend to be less frequently used than Franklin.

See names
in meaning and etymology.


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