Francis
How to say it: FRAN-sis · /ˈfrænsɪs/
From Latin 'Franciscus' meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man'; associated with Saint Francis of Assisi.
Francis was the 418th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 769 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are up about 23% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #368 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #418 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 769 |
| Share of births | 1 in 4,311 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | +23% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #368 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established with a high in the 1910s, Francis remains in steady use far below that mark. A small lift seems likely in the next few years.
What goes with it
Breathy and measured, Francis carries the weight of a saint's name and royals. Louis shares its classic manner.
Nicknames
- Frank
- Frankie
- Fran
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Francis is about 1 in 180.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Irish.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #193. Ireland: #309.
Famous people named Francis
- Francis Bacon (1561–1626)English philosopher and statesman
- Francis Ford Coppola (born 1939)American filmmaker
- Francis Drake (1540–1596)English sailor and privateer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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