Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Francesco
BoyItalian, Latin· “Frenchman”
- Meaning
- Frenchman
- Origin
- Italian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- frahn-CHES-koh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,329
- US babies 2025
- 145
- Best rank
- #760 (1908)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Francesco
Francesco is an Italian and Latin name that means “Frenchman”.
From the Latin Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman', comes the Italian Francesco. Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints, was baptized Giovanni but became known as Francesco, and his fame spread the name worldwide. The poet Francesco Petrarca, known in English as Petrarch, is another famous bearer. Francesco has a warm, classic sound. Franco, Cesco and Frankie are nicknames. It remains a staple in Italy and offers English speakers a handsome route to the nickname Frank.
Popularity over time
Francesco first appears in US Social Security records in 1906. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1908. Its best national rank was #760 in 1908, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 166 were named Francesco. In 2025, 145 babies were named Francesco, and it ranked #1,329 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,612 in 1920, #1,767 in 1950, #766 in 1980, #999 in 2000, #1,418 in 2010, and #1,329 in 2025. Of the 8,446 US boys named Francesco since records began, 17% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 1,337 babies. Since 2010, 2,100 more have been named Francesco.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Alexavier, Jeshua, Jaedon, Tye, and Mauro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Francesco ranked highest in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #339 | 9 |
| New York | #483 | 34 |
| New Jersey | #499 | 15 |
| Massachusetts | #575 | 8 |
| Illinois | #724 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Francesco is usually pronounced frahn-CHES-koh, with three syllables. It has nine letters, starts with F and ends in “-co”.
Middle names for Francesco
A few middle names that flow with Francesco: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Francesco
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Lists that include Francesco
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Francesco mean?
Francesco is an Italian and Latin name that means “Frenchman”.
What is the origin of the name Francesco?
Francesco has Italian and Latin roots. From the Latin Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman', comes the Italian Francesco.
Is Francesco a popular name?
Not especially. Francesco ranked #1,329 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Francesco a boy or girl name?
Francesco is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Francesco?
Francesco is usually pronounced frahn-CHES-koh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings