Declining since 1994, #322 for boys today.
Popularity of Francisco since 1880
Babies named Francisco per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 215 |
| 1890s | 227 |
| 1900s | 427 |
| 1910s | 1,643 |
| 1920s | 4,281 |
| 1930s | 3,331 |
| 1940s | 4,164 |
| 1950s | 7,319 |
| 1960s | 8,583 |
| 1970s | 14,642 |
| 1980s | 20,082 |
| 1990s | 28,722 |
| 2000s | 26,520 |
| 2010s | 15,283 |
| 2020s | 6,753 |
Meaning & origin
Francisco has been a staple in U.S. naming since 1880, consistently appearing in the top 500. It reached its peak popularity in 1997 as the 74th most common name. Since 1994, its usage has been gradually falling, but it remains a strong choice, especially in states like Arizona, California, and Idaho. The name carries deep cultural resonance in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking communities, honoring Saint Francis and countless historical figures. Its enduring appeal lies in its classic sound and cross-cultural familiarity.
Francisco derives from the Late Latin name Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man.' It was popularized by Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, nicknamed Francesco for his father's love of France). The name spread across Europe with the Franciscan order and became especially common in Spain and Portugal, carried to the Americas during colonization.
Where Francisco 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.
“Francisco” around the world
Where Francisco lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fran, Pancho, Cisco, Chico, Paco
Sibling names for Francisco
Names that share Francisco's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sofia, Isabella, Lucia, Valentina, Maria, Guadalupe, Carmelita, Concepcion, Francisca, Hortencia, Amparo, Angeles, Candelaria, Concha, Conchita, Dominga, Guillermina, Jesusa, Jesusita, Josefa, Natividad, Santa, Tomasa, Carmencita, Conception, Conchetta, Deloras, Manuelita, Maricarmen, Rosaisela, Tomasita, Vicenta, Virgen, Agapita, Asuncion, Blasa, Consepcion, Dionisia, Francella, Moncerrat, Piedad, Thereasa, Monserratt, Briceyda, Doloras, Inocencia, Librada, Mariadelaluz, Mariadelosang, Montserrath, Paquita
Brothers: Jose, Antonio, Carlos, Manuel, Pedro, Guillermo, Mariano, Adalberto, Dionicio, Hipolito, Margarito, Paulino, Refugio, Asencion, Encarnacion, Joaquim, Joselito, Juanantonio, Juanluis, Magdaleno, Olegario, Benedicto, Elijio, Josemaria, Luisfernando, Natalio, Refujio, Ygnacio, Manolito
Names like Francisco
Names whose popularity has moved with Francisco's over the last 50 years.
