Franklin
Franklin is a boys' name of English origin meaning “free landowner.” It ranked #359 in the United States in 2025. Franklin denoted a free landowner in medieval England — a man of substance who was not of noble birth.
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how do you pronounce Franklin?
FRANK-lin
where does the name Franklin come from?
From the medieval English Frankeleyn, by way of the Anglo-Norman fraunclein, a landowner of free but not noble birth: a freeholder.
The name carries enormous American significance through Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt. It projects leadership, wisdom, and democratic ideals. The nickname Frank adds warmth and accessibility.
how popular is this name?
Franklin has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #33 in 1933, and ranked #359 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #359 |
| 2024 | #388 |
| 2023 | #408 |
| 2022 | #407 |
| 2021 | #395 |
| 2020 | #414 |
| 2019 | #422 |
| 2018 | #436 |
| 2017 | #437 |
| 2016 | #423 |
| 2010 | #505 |
| 2000 | #447 |
| 1990 | #296 |
| 1980 | #253 |
| 1970 | #208 |
| 1960 | #194 |
| 1950 | #153 |
| 1940 | #87 |
| 1933 | #33 |
| 1930 | #149 |
| 1920 | #119 |
| 1910 | #170 |
| 1900 | #151 |
| 1890 | #156 |
| 1880 | #112 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Franklin fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Franklin?
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President of the United States)
- Benjamin Franklin (Founding Father, inventor, diplomat)
what are the nicknames and variants of Franklin?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Franklin?
what names go well with Franklin?
Sibling names that share Franklin's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Franklin
What does the name Franklin mean?
Franklin means “free landowner”.
What is the origin of the name Franklin?
Franklin comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Franklin?
Franklin ranked #359 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1933, at #33, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Franklin a boy or girl name?
Franklin is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Franklin?
Franklin is pronounced FRANK-lin, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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