A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Francine since 1900
Babies named Francine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 75 |
| 1910s | 345 |
| 1920s | 933 |
| 1930s | 2,125 |
| 1940s | 7,225 |
| 1950s | 10,203 |
| 1960s | 7,596 |
| 1970s | 3,382 |
| 1980s | 1,943 |
| 1990s | 1,068 |
| 2000s | 526 |
| 2010s | 549 |
| 2020s | 500 |
Meaning & origin
Francine is a French feminine diminutive that conveys a sense of vintage charm. After peaking at rank 1844 in 1946, its use declined steadily, but since 2008 it has been rising again, with a revival noted in the 2020s. The name is most popular in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, reflecting its historic appeal in regions with strong French and Catholic roots. Francine remains a distinctive choice, evoking mid-century elegance without feeling dated.
Francine is a French feminine diminutive of François, ultimately from the Latin Franciscus meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one'. It emerged in the late 19th century and saw peak popularity in the United States in the 1940s, particularly among families of French or Catholic heritage.
Where Francine 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.
“Francine” around the world
Where Francine lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fran, Franny, Francie, Cici
Sibling names for Francine
Names that share Francine's style, for a brother or sister.
