A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Frances since 1880
Babies named Frances per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 9,182 |
| 1890s | 18,090 |
| 1900s | 28,499 |
| 1910s | 105,599 |
| 1920s | 140,391 |
| 1930s | 92,117 |
| 1940s | 85,448 |
| 1950s | 51,200 |
| 1960s | 25,001 |
| 1970s | 11,337 |
| 1980s | 8,490 |
| 1990s | 6,068 |
| 2000s | 3,959 |
| 2010s | 5,467 |
| 2020s | 4,849 |
Meaning & origin
Frances is a name with deep historical roots and a gentle, old-fashioned charm. In 2025, it ranked 318 in the United States, given to about 1 in 1674 baby girls. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2006, signaling a quiet revival. Its peak year was 1918, when it was far more common, and after a long decline it is now finding new favor. The name is especially popular in Vermont, the District of Columbia, and Maine. Frances belongs to a group of classic names that are being rediscovered, including Dorothy, Elaine, and Sylvia. With nicknames like Fran, Franny, and Frankie, it offers versatility and a touch of vintage appeal.
Frances is the feminine form of Francis, which originated as a byname for a person from France or a Frank in medieval Italy. The name gained widespread use due to the immense popularity of Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, nicknamed Francesco), who was a 13th-century Italian friar. In England, the name Frances has been used since the 16th century and was often given in honor of the saint. The spelling Frances was traditionally used for girls, while Francis was used for boys.
Where Frances 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.
“Frances” around the world
Where Frances lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
17
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fran, Franny, Frankie, Fannie
Sibling names for Frances
Names that share Frances's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Dorothy, Elaine, Sylvia, Loretta, Mabel, Billie, Theresa, Bettye, Eleanore, Georgiann, Marylouise, Theressa, Cathern, Clarinda, Joesphine, Josepha, Margart, Margert, Threasa, Cecilee, Maragret, Marilouise, Theresea, Thresia, Marialice, Marrian, Thersea, Viriginia
Brothers: Arthur, Walter, Clarence, Harold, Chester, Bernard, Clifford, Lawrence, Leonard, Franklyn, Loyd, Colonel, Washington, Fleming, Gilman, Loretto, Rodgers, Danford, Roosvelt, Ransome
Names like Frances
Names whose popularity has moved with Frances's over the last 50 years.
