Fran Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationFRAN / frænLatin; French
Meaning
Latin: free man; French: from France
Historical & Cultural Background
Fran is often considered a diminutive of Francis, which has roots in Latin. The name became popular in various cultures, particularly in France and among English speakers. It has been used as both a given name and a surname. The name is associated with notions of freedom and nobility.
Trend Summary
The name Fran has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable decline in recent decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Francis
- Frank
International Variants
- Franco (Italian)
- François (French)
- Francisco (Spanish)
Famous people named Fran
Fran Lebowitz is an American author and public speaker known for her acerbic social commentary.
Fran Tarkenton is a former American football quarterback and television personality.
Fran Drescher is an American actress and comedian, best known for her role in 'The Nanny.'.
Fictional characters named Fran
Fran is a character in the video game series 'Final Fantasy,' known for her strong personality.
Fran Fine is the main character in the television series 'The Nanny,' portrayed by Fran Drescher.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Fran was first seen in the United States in 1918. Fran has ranked as high as #1100 nationally, which occurred in 1958, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Fran has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Fran (1959)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 5 |
| 1935 | 9 |
| 1939 | 7 |
| 1941 | 7 |
| 1942 | 9 |
| 1945 | 6 |
| 1946 | 10 |
| 1947 | 8 |
| 1948 | 9 |
| 1951 | 8 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1957 | 11 |
| 1958 | 20 |
| 1959 | 15 |
| 1960 | 17 |
| 1961 | 13 |
| 1962 | 16 |
| 1963 | 13 |
| 1964 | 12 |
| 1965 | 9 |
| 1966 | 5 |
| 1967 | 7 |
| 1969 | 5 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1976 | 9 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 6 |