Holding steady.
Popularity of Paco since 1960
Babies named Paco per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 45 |
| 2000s | 86 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Paco is the affectionate Spanish short form of Francisco, a name long borne by saints and rulers. As an independent given name, it has seen modest use in the United States, first recorded in 1960 and reaching its peak popularity in 2007. Though not currently in the top 1000, it maintains a steady presence, reflecting enduring cultural ties. The name is most common in states with large Hispanic populations, such as California and Texas. Its warm, friendly sound makes it a familiar yet distinctive choice.
Paco is a common Spanish diminutive of Francisco, which itself derives from the Latin Franciscus meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man'. The nickname originated from the practice of calling Saint Francis of Assisi 'Paco' in Spanish, though the exact derivation is debated among scholars. It has been used as an independent given name since at least the early 20th century and remains popular in Spain and Latin America.
“Paco” around the world
Where Paco lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Pancho, Curro, Frasco
Sibling names for Paco
Names that share Paco's style, for a brother or sister.
