Francis
Francis first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 6,347 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 769.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Francis popular?
Rising Francis has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 4,058 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 5,444 | |
| 2000s | 4,533 | |
| 1990s | 7,079 | |
| 1980s | 9,412 | |
| 1970s | 10,012 | |
| 1960s | 19,334 | |
| 1950s | 34,766 | |
| 1940s | 39,519 | |
| 1930s | 41,384 | |
| 1920s | 59,096 | |
| 1910s | 41,053 | |
| 1900s | 7,021 | |
| 1890s | 4,535 | |
| 1880s | 3,244 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Francis mean?
Francis comes from the Latin Franciscus, “Frenchman” or “free one.” St Francis of Assisi, lover of nature and the poor, made it beloved.
Nicknames for Francis
- Fran
- Frank
- Frankie
Variants & spellings
- Francisco
- Franciscus
- François
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Francis a boy or a girl name?
Francis is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Francis a popular name right now?
Francis has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Francis?
In 2025, Francis ranked #420 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Francis most popular?
Francis was most popular in 1918, when about 6,347 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Francis?
Common nicknames for Francis include Fran, Frank, Frankie.