Franklin
Franklin is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Free landholder.
Origin and history
Franklin is an English name originally derived from a Middle English occupational surname for a landowner of free, non-noble status. Historically associated with American polymath Benjamin Franklin, it gained significant popularity in the United States as both a given name and a surname. Today, it remains a classic, distinguished option for boys with steady usage.
Popularity in the United States
141,728 babies in the United States have been named Franklin since 1880. It ranks #239 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #390.
States where it is most popular
- NY (6.5 %)
- PA (6.4 %)
- CA (5.4 %)
- NC (5.2 %)
- OH (5.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,098 |
| 1890-1900 | 986 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,196 |
| 1910-1920 | 8,005 |
| 1920-1930 | 12,509 |
| 1930-1940 | 26,381 |
| 1940-1950 | 19,312 |
| 1950-1960 | 17,007 |
| 1960-1970 | 13,892 |
| 1970-1980 | 9,352 |
| 1980-1990 | 8,224 |
| 1990-2000 | 7,121 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,487 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,317 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,841 |
Famous people named Franklin
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: President, Politician
- Franklin Pierce: President, Politician
- Franklin Chang-Díaz: Astronaut, Engineer
Nicknames
Frank, Frankie, Franky
Fun facts
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President, boosted the name's visibility in American history.
- The word stems from the Anglo-Norman word 'frankeleyn', which denoted a freeman who owned land.