How to say it
FRAN · ces
ˈfræn.sɪs
Feminine
Frances
Free one, Frenchwoman
What it means
The feminine of Francis, originally 'Frenchman,' later read as 'free one.'
Frances is the feminine of Francis, a name that began as a word for 'Frenchman' and softened toward 'free.' The spelling is the tell: Frances with an e is feminine, Francis with an i is masculine. St. Frances of Rome wore it, and the vintage revival has brought back its bright short form Frankie alongside Fran and Fanny. Frances McDormand keeps it current.
How to spell Frances
The standard spelling is Frances. Common variants include Francis, Francine, Françoise, but Frances is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #8 in 1918, currently #318 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Frances (e) is the feminine, Francis (i) the masculine; an easy thing to mix up.
- Nickname
Frankie, Fran, and the old-fashioned Fanny all come from it.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Frances McDormand American actress, multiple Academy Award winner
- Frances Perkins first woman to serve in a US presidential cabinet
Spelling variants
- Francis
- Francine
- Françoise
Names with the same feeling
See Frances from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Frances mean?
- The feminine of Francis, originally 'Frenchman,' later read as 'free one.'
- What does Frances mean in Latin?
- In Latin, Frances means "Free one, Frenchwoman." Frances is the feminine of Francis, a name that began as a word for 'Frenchman' and softened toward 'free.' The spelling is the tell: Frances with an e is feminine, Francis with an i is masculine. St. Frances of Rome wore it, and the vintage revival has brought back its bright short form Frankie alongside Fran and Fanny. Frances McDormand keeps it current.
- How do you pronounce Frances?
- Frances is pronounced ˈfræn.sɪs. Say it as FRAN-ces, with the stress on the "fran" syllable.
- How do you spell Frances?
- The standard spelling is Frances. Common spelling variants include Francis, Francine, Françoise.
- Is Frances a boy or girl name?
- Frances is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Frances?
- Frances ranked #318 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.