Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Francis
BoyLatin, English· “Frenchman”
- Meaning
- Frenchman
- Origin
- Latin, English
- Pronunciation
- FRAN-suhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #420
- US babies 2025
- 769
- Best rank
- #29 (1915)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Francis
Francis is a Latin and English name that means “Frenchman”.
Francis comes from the Latin Franciscus, meaning Frenchman. The name became famous through Saint Francis of Assisi, whose father reportedly gave him the nickname because of his love of France; his baptismal name was Giovanni. The saint's popularity spread the name across Europe. Francis I of France and several other kings bore it, and in recent times Pope Francis has given it new attention. It has been used for both boys and girls in forms like Frances. Frank, Frankie and Fran are nicknames, and it feels classic and gentle.
Popularity over time
Francis has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #29 in 1915, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 6,347 were named Francis. In 2025, 769 babies were named Francis, and it ranked #420 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #34 in 1920, #86 in 1950, #243 in 1980, #435 in 2000, #671 in 2010, and #420 in 2025. Of the 290,490 US boys named Francis since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 41,384 babies. Since 2010, 9,502 more have been named Francis.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Elmer, Lloyd, Woodrow, Lester, and Harry.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Francis ranked highest in Rhode Island, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #166 | 7 |
| District of Columbia | #184 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #185 | 36 |
| Hawaii | #187 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #205 | 62 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 88% of US babies named Francis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Francis is usually pronounced FRAN-suhs, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with F and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Francis
A few middle names that flow with Francis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Francis
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Lists that include Francis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Francis mean?
Francis is a Latin and English name that means “Frenchman”.
What is the origin of the name Francis?
Francis has Latin and English roots. Francis comes from the Latin Franciscus, meaning Frenchman.
Is Francis a popular name?
Yes. Francis ranked #420 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Francis a boy or girl name?
Francis is mainly a boy's name. About 88% of US babies named Francis over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Francis?
Francis is usually pronounced FRAN-suhs. 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