Francesca is an Italian female given name derived from the Latin word 'franciscus', which means "free" or "French". It was originally a surname, but it has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages. The name gained popularity through the story of Francesca da Rimini, a character in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy who is known for her tragic love affair with Paolo. In English-speaking countries, Francesca may also be associated with the French word 'français', meaning "French". The name Francesca has been used widely throughout Europe and beyond, carrying a touch of elegance and historical significance wherever it goes.
Between 2002 and 2003, there were eleven babies named Franccesca.