Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Frank
BoyGermanic, English· “a Frank; free, candid”
- Meaning
- a Frank; free, candid
- Origin
- Germanic, English
- Pronunciation
- FRANGK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #514
- US babies 2025
- 584
- Best rank
- #6 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Frank
Frank is a Germanic and English name that is usually said to mean “a Frank; free, candid”.
Frank comes from the name of the Franks, the Germanic people who gave their name to France; the tribal name is often linked to a type of javelin. Because the Franks were the free people of their realm, the word frank came to mean free and later candid or honest. Frank also serves as a short form of Francis and Franklin. Famous bearers include the singer Frank Sinatra and the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank is short, sturdy and vintage, and it has returned with the revival of grandfather names. Frankie is a warm nickname.
Popularity over time
Frank 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 #6 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 17,018 were named Frank. In 2025, 584 babies were named Frank, and it ranked #514 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #9 in 1920, #29 in 1950, #81 in 1980, #209 in 2000, #302 in 2010, and #514 in 2025. Of the 915,978 US boys named Frank since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 119,417 babies. Since 2010, 13,465 more have been named Frank.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Walter, Harry, and Francis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Frank ranked highest in Maine, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #217 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #246 | 39 |
| Connecticut | #255 | 13 |
| Nevada | #308 | 10 |
| New York | #314 | 58 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Frank is usually pronounced FRANGK, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with F and ends in “-nk”.
Middle names for Frank
A few middle names that flow with Frank: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Frank
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Lists that include Frank
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Frank mean?
Frank is a Germanic and English name that is usually said to mean “a Frank; free, candid”.
What is the origin of the name Frank?
Frank has Germanic and English roots. Frank comes from the name of the Franks, the Germanic people who gave their name to France; the tribal name is often linked to a type of javelin.
Is Frank a popular name?
Yes. Frank ranked #514 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Frank a boy or girl name?
Frank is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Frank?
Frank is usually pronounced FRANGK. 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