Frances
Frances is a girls' name of Latin origin meaning “free one from France.” It ranked #318 in the United States in 2025. The feminine form of Francis, ultimately from the Medieval Latin Franciscus meaning Frankish or free.
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how do you pronounce Frances?
FRAN-sis
where does the name Frances come from?
The feminine form of the Old French Franceis, from the Latin Franciscus, from France or French, ultimately from the Franks, whose own name first meant free.
Saint Frances of Rome (1384–1440) is the patron saint of motorists. The name carries a dignified, old-soul charm.
how popular is this name?
Frances has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #8 in 1918, and ranked #318 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #318 |
| 2024 | #375 |
| 2023 | #403 |
| 2022 | #419 |
| 2021 | #392 |
| 2020 | #418 |
| 2019 | #438 |
| 2018 | #441 |
| 2017 | #437 |
| 2016 | #446 |
| 2010 | #769 |
| 2000 | #572 |
| 1990 | #351 |
| 1980 | #267 |
| 1970 | #199 |
| 1960 | #127 |
| 1950 | #51 |
| 1940 | #28 |
| 1930 | #16 |
| 1920 | #9 |
| 1918 | #8 |
| 1910 | #11 |
| 1900 | #26 |
| 1890 | #33 |
| 1880 | #42 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Frances fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Frances?
- Frances McDormand (actress)
- Frances Hodgson Burnett (author)
- Frances Bean Cobain
what are the nicknames and variants of Frances?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Frances?
what names go well with Frances?
Sibling names that share Frances's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Frances
What does the name Frances mean?
Frances means “free one from France”.
What is the origin of the name Frances?
Frances comes from the Latin naming tradition. Related forms include Francesca and Francisca.
How popular is the name Frances?
Frances ranked #318 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1918, at #8, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Frances a boy or girl name?
Frances is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Frances?
Frances is pronounced FRAN-sis, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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