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Frank Boy

Popularity: #419 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationfrangk / fræŋk

Latin; Germanic

Meaning

Latin: free man; Germanic: brave

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Frank originates from the Latin word "Francus," which means "free man." This term was used to describe the Franks, a Germanic tribe that played a significant role in the history of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages. The Franks established a powerful kingdom under leaders such as Clovis I in the late 5th century, and their influence spread across what is now France and Germany. The name was adopted into Old French as "François," which later evolved into the modern English form, Frank, during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century when French linguistic influences permeated the English language.

Historically, the name Frank has been associated with notable figures, including Saint Francis of Assisi, who lived in the 13th century and is revered for his commitment to poverty and nature. His name, derived from the Latin "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman," further solidified the cultural significance of the name. Additionally, the name gained prominence through various monarchs and nobles in medieval Europe, contributing to its enduring legacy. The name's presence in literature and religious texts, including its mention in the King James Bible, has also helped maintain its relevance through the centuries.

Culturally, the name Frank has come to symbolize qualities such as honesty and straightforwardness, reflecting the etymological roots of freedom and independence. It has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, with diminutives like Frankie being used affectionately. The name's historical resonance and associations with virtuous figures have contributed to its lasting appeal, making it a name with deep roots in European history and culture.

Trend Summary

The name Frank has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Franc
  • Frankie

International Variants

  • Franco (Italian)
  • François (French)
  • Francisco (Spanish)
  • Franz (German)

Famous people named Frank

Frank Sinatra is a singer and actor best known for My Way, New York, New York, and Strangers in the Night.

Frank Lloyd Wright is an architect best known for Fallingwater, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Robie House.

Frank Zappa is a musician and composer best known for Freak Out!, Hot Rats, and Joe's Garage.

Frank Darabont is a director and screenwriter best known for The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist.

Frank Capra is a director best known for It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and It Happened One Night.

Frank Ocean is a singer and songwriter best known for Channel Orange, Blonde, and his work with Odd Future.

Frank Grillo is an actor best known for The Purge: Anarchy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Warrior.

Frank Oz is a puppeteer and director best known for his work on The Muppets, Sesame Street, and directing Little Shop of Horrors.

Frank Welker is a voice actor best known for his work in Scooby-Doo, Transformers, and The Lion King.

Frank McCourt is an author best known for Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, and Teacher Man.

Fictional characters named Frank

Frank Underwood is a fictional character from the TV series House of Cards. He is a ruthless politician who manipulates his way to the presidency of the United States.

Frank N. Furter is a fictional character from the musical and film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He is an eccentric and flamboyant alien transvestite who creates a living man named Rocky.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Frank was first seen in the United States in 1880. Frank has ranked as high as #15 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Frank has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Frank (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 97
17%
NY 53
9%
TX 52
9%
FL 49
9%
IL 31
6%
OH 22
4%
PA 20
4%
MA 17
3%
MI 16
3%
NC 16
3%
VA 14
2%
TN 14
2%
AZ 13
2%
WA 13
2%
GA 13
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18803,242
18812,834
18823,176
18832,986
18843,218
18853,067
18863,127
18872,883
18883,459
18892,975
18903,078
18912,652
18923,150
18932,917
18942,863
18953,012
18962,845
18972,726
18982,925
18992,550
19003,477
19012,402
19022,756
19032,644
19042,799
19052,837
19062,798
19072,943
19083,146
19093,244
19103,768
19114,314
19127,912
19139,237
191412,002
191515,006
191615,291
191715,768
191817,018
191915,701
192016,430
192116,705
192216,013
192315,903
192416,044
192515,329
192614,493
192714,377
192813,570
192912,966
193012,535
193111,472
193211,497
193310,964
193410,636
193510,421
193610,186
193710,126
193810,261
19399,990
194010,596
194110,795
194212,248
194312,245
194411,342
194510,874
194612,667
194713,995
194812,698
194911,960
195011,607
195111,477
195211,268
195311,180
195410,995
195511,109
195611,150
195711,268
195811,326
195910,941
196010,751
196110,432
19629,760
19639,525
19649,338
19658,317
19667,787
19677,430
19686,892
19696,918
19706,805
19716,089
19725,167
19734,784
19744,364
19754,211
19763,899
19773,895
19783,776
19793,930
19803,735
19813,640
19823,605
19833,362
19843,331
19853,303
19863,178
19873,124
19883,271
19893,054
19903,187
19912,881
19922,755
19932,504
19942,479
19952,247
19962,149
19972,023
19981,887
19991,855
20001,708
20011,634
20021,587
20031,500
20041,466
20051,480
20061,401
20071,333
20081,228
20091,138
20101,077
20111,048
2012985
20131,007
2014991
2015944
2016957
2017890
2018807
2019773
2020694
2021691
2022708
2023648
2024656