Holding steady, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Franklyn since 1885
Babies named Franklyn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 28 |
| 1900s | 68 |
| 1910s | 532 |
| 1920s | 805 |
| 1930s | 819 |
| 1940s | 686 |
| 1950s | 571 |
| 1960s | 462 |
| 1970s | 365 |
| 1980s | 462 |
| 1990s | 500 |
| 2000s | 391 |
| 2010s | 268 |
| 2020s | 129 |
Meaning & origin
Franklyn is a variant spelling of Franklin, a name with English origins meaning 'free landholder.' The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1885, and its popularity peaked in 1933, reflecting a time when Franklin was a common given name. Since then, the name has seen a steady decline, with a trajectory described as stable in recent decades. In 2025, Franklyn ranked 4,396, with only about 1 in 74,264 boys receiving the name. The name was most frequently recorded in Texas, suggesting a regional preference. The variant spelling Franklyn offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Franklin, appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet less conventional name.
Franklyn is a variant spelling of Franklin, derived from Middle English frankelin, meaning 'free man' or 'free landholder.' In medieval England, a franklin was a freeholding landowner below the rank of knight, a status referenced by the surname Franklin, which became a given name in the 19th century. Franklin was popularized by the American statesman Benjamin Franklin, and the variant Franklyn emerged as a distinctive spelling in the United States in the late 1800s.
Where Franklyn 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Frank, Frankie, Lyn, Lynnie
Variants: Franklin
Sibling names for Franklyn
Names that share Franklyn's style, for a brother or sister.
