A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Francis since 1880
Babies named Francis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 671 | 3,244 |
| 1890s | 1,090 | 4,535 |
| 1900s | 1,429 | 7,021 |
| 1910s | 4,393 | 41,053 |
| 1920s | 6,110 | 59,096 |
| 1930s | 3,576 | 41,384 |
| 1940s | 2,881 | 39,519 |
| 1950s | 2,114 | 34,766 |
| 1960s | 1,496 | 19,334 |
| 1970s | 1,278 | 10,012 |
| 1980s | 1,426 | 9,412 |
| 1990s | 1,381 | 7,079 |
| 2000s | 789 | 4,533 |
| 2010s | 651 | 5,444 |
| 2020s | 547 | 4,058 |
Meaning & origin
The name Francis carries a deep sense of religious and royal heritage. It peaked in popularity in 1915, ranking among the top names for boys, but declined steadily over the 20th century. After a long period of lower use, the name has been rising again since 2009, partly due to the influence of Pope Francis. In 2025, it ranked 420th with about 1 in 2,221 births. The name has been especially favored in states like Rhode Island, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. Its classic and gentle image makes it a choice that feels both traditional and fresh.
Derived from the Latin name Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' Originally a title given to Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, who was nicknamed Francesco by his father after his love of France. The name became widespread across Christian Europe due to the saint's influence and was borne by several popes and aristocrats.
Where Francis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Francis” around the world
Where Francis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
New Zealand
23
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Frank, Fran, Franny, Frankie
Sibling names for Francis
Names that share Francis's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Claire, Theresa, Catherine, Rose, Margaret, Bernadette, Elaine, Antonette, Loretta, Magdalene, Therese, Francene, Honora, Norene, Terresa, Harryette, Joyceann, Morene, Teresia, Thresia, Franceen, Erleen, Francelia, Iness, Merrianne, Thersea
Brothers: Louis, Anthony, Joseph, Charles, Henry, Gerard, Walter, Jerome, Benard, Edgard, Ramond, Lanier, Loretto, Pius, Salvator, Thedore, Stanely
Names like Francis
Names whose popularity has moved with Francis's over the last 50 years.
