The baby name Francis comes from the Late Latin franciscus – Frenchman.
Franciscus, in turn, can be traced back to a type of weapon – a throwing axe called a francisca and favored by the Franks, the Germanic tribe who settled the area back in the late Roman Empire.
Some argue that the axe is named after the tribe and the origins of the name are different. The meaning “free man” is also possible.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
We remember the twelfth century Saint Francis of Assisi for many things. He founded the Franciscan religious order; we think of him as a friend to animals, and a patron saint of the environment and advocate for the poor.
He was born Giovanni, the son of a prosperous merchant. Possibly because he was born was his father was traveling on business in France, or possibly because of their love of all things France, Giovanni was given the nickname Francesco as a child.
It stuck.
After a series of setbacks as a young man, he turned his back on a life of privilege. Francis chose prayer – and poverty. He eventually founded a religious order that continues his work today.
The name spread throughout Europe in the following years.
A pair of parents in Navarre bestowed the name upon their son, the future Saint Francis Xavier, a key figure in the establishment of the Jesuit religious order.
At least half a dozen more saintly Francises appear over the next few centuries.
FAMOUS MEN NAMED FRANCIS
This short list doesn’t include the royal and aristocratic bearers of the name – a Holy Roman Emperor, two Kings of France and plenty of powerful princes and dukes, too.
Even so, famous men answering to the first name Francis include:
- Explorer Sir Francis Drake and
- English philosopher Francis Bacon
- American author Francis Scott Key, best known for penning the lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner”
- The “F” in author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s name stands for Francis; he was a distant relative of Key
- Director Francis Ford Coppola
- Frank Sinatra was born Francis Albert. Just like many an Italian-American, Sinatra was named after his grandfather. More than a decade after his death, Ol’ Blue Eyes remains one of the best known singers of all time.
Not every Frank is a Francis, but if we include that version of the name, there’s architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Wizard of Oz creator L. Frank Baum, to name just two.
In March 2013, Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis. He served until his death in April 2025. Argentine by birth, he was the first Latin American pope, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first raised outside of Europe for well over a millennia.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME FRANCIS?
Let’s look at the popularity of Francis.
The baby name Francis was a Top 100 staple well into the 1950s. By the year 2012, following many years of decline, it ranked a chilly #593.
Frank proved even more popular. A Top Ten staple from the earliest days of tracking data, in 1880, Frank was among the most popular names well into 1920s, and only left the Top 100 in the late 1980s.
Given that plenty of men named Francis likely answered to Frank, too, the name was probably more popular than the rank suggests.
But something has shifted in recent years. As of 2023:
- Spanish-language Francisco ranks #295
- Surname Franklin comes in at #410
- Francis stands at #458
- Frank ranks #468
- Italian Franco is #779
A few other familiar forms, including Franz and Francesco, don’t make the current Top 1000.
Will Catholic families increase their use of the baby name Francis in the coming years?
Possibly. The twelfth century Italian Catholic friar has remained influential. Francis has increased in use during the late pope’s time in office, increasing over 100 spots from #593 in 2012.
But it’s also possible that Francis could rise in use without the influence of Christianity. Similar name preferences, like S-ending Atticus, Adonis, Brooks, and Rhodes, suggest that Francis might fit many popular choices now.
FRANCIS OR FRANCES?
Another factor: popular baby girl names also include choices derived from the Latin term franciscus:
- A favorite feminine name in our Isabella moment, Francesca ranks #374 as of 2023
- At #405, Frances isn’t too far behind
- Sparky nickname Frankie comes in at #538 for girls
Frances Cabrini became the first American to be canonized as a saint. She established schools, orphanages, and other social services for the poor in New York City and beyond during the late 1800s.
It’s worth noting that the masculine/feminine name divide between Francis and Frances was not firmly established until sometime around the 1600s, though it’s not a hard, bright line even then. You’ll find some females who spell their name Francis even now – 97 girls received this spelling in 2023 alone.
ENDURING CLASSIC
Francis fits with current favorites like Theodore, William, Sebastian, and Oliver. It’s classic and storied, a name that has stood the test of time.
If you’re after something with a hint of religious meaning and layers of history, too, Francis might be the perfect name for your son.
What do you think of the name Francis?
This post was originally published on June 4, 2009. It was revised and re-posted on March 18, 2013 and April 24, 2025.
My husband has an step-uncle Francis. 99% of the time he’s just Francis, but back in High School he went by Fran because of the Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton.
Franklin Guthrie was one of my backup names. Now, I’m really glad we didn’t use it, because I’m worried the “Frank” names will take off. But I still love Frankie!
I think everyone must be wondering what the name Francis “means” for the pope – it’s hard not to connect it to St Francis of Assisi’s vision, where God says, “Rebuild my church, for it is in ruins”.
The name Francis is a traditional one in my family. I’m not sure if I’d use it or not though.
That may be part of it, but he is also the first Jesuit pope. The order was founded by St. Francis Xavier. I think the choice is a nod to the Jesuits (who many thought would NEVER be named pope due to the relatively progressive nature).