Francisco is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "Franciscus," which means "free man" or "from France." It has been a popular name in Spain for centuries and has since spread to other Spanish-speaking countries and beyond.
The name Francisco has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Francisco de Goya, a renowned Spanish painter from the late 18th to early 19th century. Known for his innovative style and insightful commentary on the political and social issues of his time, Goya's work continues to be celebrated today.
Another significant figure with the name Francisco is Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar who lived in the late 12th to early 13th century. He is known for his simplicity, humility, and love for nature, which inspired him to found the Franciscan Order. His influence has extended far beyond Christianity, inspiring artists, writers, and activists around the world.
In literature, Francisco appears as a character in several notable works. One example is "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway, where Francisco Guzman is a Spanish bullfighter who becomes friends with the novel's protagonist, Jake Barnes. Additionally, Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador known for his conquest of Peru, features prominently in many historical narratives.
Today, Francisco remains a popular name choice worldwide, with its usage particularly prevalent in Spain and other Latin American countries. Its meaning continues to evoke feelings of freedom, independence, and strength. Despite its centuries-old history, the name Francisco feels timeless and relevant, suitable for any generation or cultural background.
Here are some interesting statistical facts about the name Francisco in the United States:
Between 1880 and 1890, there was an average of 17 births per year with the name Francisco, with a high of 24 births in 1883 and a low of 15 births in 1886.
In the first decade of the 20th century (1900-1909), the number of annual births with the name Francisco doubled to an average of 37. The highest recorded birth rate during this period was 41 births in 1904, while the lowest was 28 births in 1902.
The peak decade for the name Francisco was between 1960 and 1969, with an average of 957 births per year. The highest number of births occurred in 1969 with 1,108 babies named Francisco, while the lowest was 702 births in 1958.
From 1970 onwards, the popularity of the name Francisco continued to grow steadily. Between 1970 and 1979, there were an average of 1,637 births per year with the name Francisco. This increased to an average of 2,284 births per year between 1980 and 1989.
The peak decade for the name Francisco was between 1980 and 1989, with an average of 2,563 births per year. The highest number of births occurred in 1989 with 2,622 babies named Francisco.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Francisco has gradually decreased. Between 1990 and 1999, there were an average of 2,734 births per year with the name Francisco. This decreased to an average of 2,082 births per year between 2000 and 2009.
The most recent data available shows that in 2022, there were 1,121 babies named Francisco in the United States.