Frances
How to say it: FRAN-sis · /ˈfrænsɪs/
Feminine form of Francis, from Latin 'Franciscus' meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man', from 'Frankish'.
Frances was the 343rd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 960 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are up about 56% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #296 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #343 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 960 |
| Share of births | 1 in 3,453 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | +56% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #296 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Frances reached its height in the 1910s and now stands far below that point. It remains well used, with growth expected.
What goes with it
Muted and breathy with a grave saintly air. Eleanor shares its style.
Middle names that flow with Frances →
Parents who love Frances also love
Nicknames
- Fran
- Frannie
- Franny
Honouring a Frances in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Frances is about 1 in 144.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
England and Wales: #380.
Famous people named Frances
- Frances McDormand (born 1957)American actress
- Frances Arnold (born 1956)Nobel prize winning US scientist and engineer
- Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924)English-American playwright and author
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Hurricane Frances (2004) was a Category 4 storm causing about $9.67 billion in damage.
Keep exploring
About as popular as Frances
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Frances
The one-minute style quiz.