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.
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–present. 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