Frankie is a gender-neutral name of Italian origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is typically considered to be a diminutive form of the name Francis, which means "free man" or "Frenchman." However, Frankie can also stand alone as a name and is often associated with several notable figures throughout history.
The most famous Frankie was likely Frank Sinatra, the legendary American singer and actor who was known for his smooth vocals and timeless music. Sinatra's real name was Francis Albert Sinatra, but he was universally known by his nickname of Frankie during his career. His success helped to popularize the name Frankie in the mid-20th century.
Another notable figure with the name Frankie is Frankie Valli, an American singer and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Four Seasons. Valli's powerful falsetto voice and distinctive sound made him a major star of the era, and his music continues to be popular today.
In addition to these famous figures, Frankie has also been used as a name for several characters in literature, film, and television. For example, Frankie is the main character in the novel "Frankie and Johnny" by Anne Sexton, while the character of Frankie McLaurine appears in the movie "Friday Night Lights."
Overall, Frankie is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Whether it is used as a diminutive form of Francis or standing alone as its own name, Frankie has proven to be a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and memorable moniker for their child.
The name Frankie has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the 1920s.
According to the provided statistics, there were only 7 births of the name Frankie in both 1897 and 1901. However, from 1912 onwards, there was a steady rise in the number of babies named Frankie each year. The highest peak was reached in 1927 with 188 births, marking the beginning of a decade where Frankie was one of the most popular names for boys.
This trend continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s, reaching its climax during World War II. In 1945 alone, there were 578 babies named Frankie, indicating that many parents may have chosen this name as a nod to American soldiers fighting overseas or perhaps inspired by popular culture figures of the time.
After the war, popularity for the name Frankie fluctuated but remained relatively high until the mid-1960s. Between 1962 and 1973, there were between 472 and 806 births each year with the name Frankie.
Since then, usage of the name has gradually declined. Although it remains a classic choice for parents today, Frankie is now used less frequently than in previous decades. In recent years (2015-2023), there have been around 200 to 265 births each year with the name Frankie.
In total, over the span of these statistics (1897-2023), there were 41,811 babies born in the United States named Frankie. This figure demonstrates that despite its waxing and waning popularity, Frankie has remained a beloved choice among American parents throughout much of the past century.