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At a Glance
- Meaning
- A free landowner of non-noble rank (a "freeholder")
- Origin
- English (from Anglo-Norman fraunclein)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- FRANK-lin
Franklin is an English boy's name, pronounced FRANK-lin, built from the Anglo-Norman word fraunclein. It originally described a freeholder — a landowner of non-noble rank — which gives it a grounded, historical backbone rather than an invented feel. With a vintage style, it reads as a name with real roots rather than a passing trend.
Meaning & Origin of Franklin
Meaning: A free landowner of non-noble rank (a "freeholder").
Origin: English (from Anglo-Norman fraunclein).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Franklin
FRANK-linIPA /ˈfræŋklɪn/
Popularity of Franklin
Franklin peaked at #33 in 1933, when 5,363 baby boys were given the name, and has since fallen to #385 in 2024 with just 840 babies — a name still in use, but far from its early-20th-century high.
Names Like Franklin
These names share Franklin’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Franklin mean?
A free landowner of non-noble rank (a “freeholder”). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Franklin?
Franklin is pronounced FRANK-lin (IPA: /ˈfræŋklɪn/).
Is Franklin a popular name right now?
Franklin peaked at #33 in 1933 and is ranked #385 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Franklin Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Franklin, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Franklin? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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