Frances
Meaning of Frances
The name Frances, a timeless classic for girls, has its origins in Latin, derived from the name Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Pronounced as FRAN-sis (/ˈfrænsɪs/), Frances has been a popular choice for centuries, reflecting a sense of elegance and tradition. Variations of the name include Francis and Francoise. Historically significant and beloved by many, Frances has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States over the years. It was incredibly popular in the early 20th century, consistently ranking within the top 10 names during the 1910s and 1920s. Although it experienced a decline mid-century, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. In 2023, it ranked at number 404 with 755 newborns given this charming name. The enduring appeal of Frances can be attributed to its simplicity and grace, making it a wonderful choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and classic beauty.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as FRAN-sis (/ˈfrænsɪs/)
British English
- Pronunced as FRAN-sis (/ˈfransɪs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Frances
| Frances Tiafoe Jr. is an accomplished American professional tennis player, known for winning three ATP titles and reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 10 in singles. |
| Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a prominent American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, and writer, known for being one of the first African American women to be published in the United States. |
| Frances Perkins was a pioneering American workers-rights advocate and the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, holding the position of United States Secretary of Labor for 12 years. |
| Frances Hodgson Burnett - Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett was a renowned British-American novelist and playwright, celebrated for her timeless children's novels including Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden. |
| Frances Xavier Cabrini, also known as Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American Catholic nun who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. |
| Frances McDormand is an acclaimed American actress and producer, known for her roles in independent films and for achieving the "Triple Crown of Acting" with four Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and one Tony Award. |
| Frances Oldham Kelsey - Frances Kathleen Oldham Kelsey was a Canadian-American pharmacologist and physician known for her refusal to authorize thalidomide, which was later found to cause serious birth defects, and for her contributions to strengthening FDA oversight of pharmaceuticals. |
| Frances Bean Cobain is an American visual artist and model, known as the only child of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, and for controlling the publicity rights to her father's name and image. |
| Frances Langford - Julia Frances Newbern-Langford was a prominent American singer and actress known for her work during the Golden Age of Radio and her appearances in film and television over two decades. |
| Frances Fuller Victor - Frances Auretta Fuller (Barritt) Victor was a prominent American historian and historical novelist, celebrated for her impactful works on the history of the West, particularly Oregon. |
| Frances Elizabeth Allen was a pioneering American computer scientist known for her groundbreaking work in optimizing compilers and becoming the first woman to win the Turing Award. |
| Frances Adler Elkins, a pioneering interior designer of the twentieth century, was known for her vibrant and modernist approach to decorating, earning her the title of "the first great California decorator." |
| Frances Hardman Conroy is an award-winning American actress known for her roles in Six Feet Under and American Horror Story, earning her several prestigious nominations and awards. |
| Frances Lander Spain, the first children's librarian to become president of the American Library Association, was a prominent figure in the field and recognized as one of the most important leaders in the 20th century. |
| Frances Farenthold - Mary Frances Tarlton "Sissy" Farenthold was a prominent American politician, attorney, activist, and educator, known for her gubernatorial campaigns in Texas, her nomination for vice president at the 1972 Democratic National Convention, and her role as the first chair of the National Women's Political Caucus. |
