Holding steady.
Popularity of Fran since 1912
Babies named Fran per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 66 | 5 |
| 1920s | 106 | 0 |
| 1930s | 279 | 16 |
| 1940s | 1,171 | 49 |
| 1950s | 1,694 | 59 |
| 1960s | 1,294 | 97 |
| 1970s | 258 | 29 |
| 1980s | 86 | 45 |
| 1990s | 6 | 32 |
| 2000s | 0 | 18 |
| 2010s | 5 | 18 |
| 2020s | 0 | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Fran is a concise short form of Frances or Francis, first recorded in the United States in 1912. It reached its peak popularity in 1960, during the 1960s, when it was a common choice for parents seeking a friendly, unisex nickname as a given name. Since then, its usage has remained stable but low, and it is not currently ranked among the top names. The name's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and gender-neutral quality, though it is more rarely used for newborns today.
Fran is a diminutive of Frances (feminine) or Francis (masculine), derived from the Latin Franciscus meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one'. The name gained popularity as an independent given name in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, often used as a familiar or unisex variant.
Where Fran is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Fran
Names that share Fran's style, for a brother or sister.
