Frances is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the male name Francis, which means "free man" or "bold". The name Francis has been associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar and preacher who lived in the late Middle Ages.
The name Frances was first used as a given name for girls during the 14th century. It became popular during the 16th century, particularly among English-speaking populations. The name Frances was often used as a feminine form of Francis, but it can also be considered a separate name with its own unique history.
One notable historical figure named Frances was Queen consort Frances of France (1890-1924), who was the wife of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Another famous Frances was American civil rights activist and journalist Frances Beale (1936- ), who played a significant role in the Black Power movement during the 1960s.
Today, Frances continues to be used as a given name for girls, although its popularity has varied over time and across different cultures. It is often associated with qualities such as independence, strength, and courage, reflecting its meaning of "free man" or "bold". However, it is important to note that the name does not necessarily dictate an individual's personality traits or life path.
In literature and popular culture, Frances has been used as a character name in various works. For example, the main character in the children's book series "Brave Little Frances" by Harry Bliss is named Frances. Additionally, the protagonist of the novel "Frances" by Danielle Steel is named Frances, who struggles with addiction and redemption throughout the story.
Overall, Frances is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. While its popularity may have fluctuated over time, it continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a strong and unique name for their daughters.
The name Frances experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks and valleys that mirror broader societal trends. In its early years, from 1880 to around 1930, Frances was quite popular, with a steady stream of babies named Frances each year. The highest points during this period were in the late 1920s, with over 140 births per year.
However, starting in the mid-1930s, there was a noticeable decline in the number of newborn girls named Frances. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with fewer than 50 babies named Frances each year during this time. The lowest point occurred in 1945, with only 38 births.
There was a brief resurgence in the popularity of the name Frances in the late 1970s to early 1980s, with around 20 births per year. However, this uptick did not last long, and the number of babies named Frances continued to decline throughout the rest of the century.
In recent years, the name Frances has become quite rare, with fewer than 10 babies named Frances each year since 2000. The most recent data shows that there were 9 births in 2021.
Overall, while Frances was once a popular name for girls, its popularity has waned significantly over time, and it is now one of the least common names given to newborn girls in the United States.