Declining since 1985, #513 for boys today.
Popularity of Frank since 1880
Babies named Frank per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Frank's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 30,967 |
| 1890s | 28,718 |
| 1900s | 29,046 |
| 1910s | 116,017 |
| 1920s | 151,830 |
| 1930s | 108,090 |
| 1940s | 119,417 |
| 1950s | 112,321 |
| 1960s | 87,155 |
| 1970s | 46,917 |
| 1980s | 33,590 |
| 1990s | 23,970 |
| 2000s | 14,475 |
| 2010s | 9,480 |
| 2020s | 3,985 |
Meaning & origin
Frank is a venerable name with deep historical roots, currently ranked 513 for boys in the United States as of 2025. This translates to approximately 1 in every 2,925 baby boys receiving the name, a significant drop from its heyday. The name's peak year was 1880, when it was the 8th most popular name, and it remained in the top 20 until the 1920s. Since 1985, Frank has been on a consistent downward trajectory, now settling into a classic but uncommon choice. Its strongest state-level popularity is concentrated in the Northeast, with Maine, Connecticut, and New Jersey leading the list. Despite its declining numbers, Frank retains a straightforward, no-nonsense appeal that has kept it in use for over a century. The name's simplicity and strong sound make it a resilient middle name option even as first-name usage wanes.
Frank originated as a short form of Francis or Franklin, but it also stands independently as a name derived from the Germanic tribal name 'Franks,' who were said to have used a throwing axe called a francisca, though the etymology may stem from a word meaning 'free.' The name was introduced to England by the Normans and has been in steady use since the Middle Ages. It saw a dramatic surge in popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking as the 8th most popular name for boys in 1884. Its straightforward, one-syllable sound has contributed to its enduring appeal, though it has declined gradually since its peak, ranking 513 in 2025.
Where Frank 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.
“Frank” around the world
Where Frank lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
15
babies in 2025
New Zealand
27
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Frankie, Franky
Sibling names for Frank
Names that share Frank's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Rose, Clara, Edith, Mae, Bette, Edna, Erma, Lizzie, Mamie, Nellie, Dessie, Doloris, Gretta, Ladonna, Lida, Mittie, Teena, Virgia, Dot, Marge, Maye, Nonie, Rella, Sadye, Besse, Evah, Florice, Helyn, Linna, Mada, Nance, Shella, Vangie, Betha, Dore, Ellan, Ethelmae, Evva, Goldy, Johnni, Liller, Man, Rushie, Saidee, Thersa, Pallie, Annye, Avice, Bitha, Boots, Charl, Gustie, Leaner, Loie, Marg, Marrian, Nel, Ritha, Ruthia, Thursa, Vicke
Brothers: Henry, George, Arthur, Walter, Raymond, Ernest, Fred, Guy, Pat, Ray, Tony, Al, Antone, Domenick, Ed, Edson, Fran, Gorge, Hank, Pete, Stan, Arther, Geo, Guss, Harve, Hue, Moody, Rube, Eward, Linard, Press, Crit, Wing
Names like Frank
Names whose popularity has moved with Frank's over the last 50 years.
