Frankie is a popular boys' name with an interesting history and meaning behind it. The name is believed to have originated from the German name Franz or the English name Francis. Both of these names have Latin roots, with Franz coming from the word "francus," which means "free" or "French." Meanwhile, Francis is derived from the Latin word "franciscus," which means "free" or "of France."
The name Frankie has been used as a given name since the 20th century. However, it was not until recently that it gained significant popularity. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Frankie only appeared in the top 1000 boys' names for the first time in 2016, when it ranked at number 973.
Despite its recent rise in popularity, Frankie has been used as a nickname for Francis or Franz for centuries. The name gained further popularity through notable figures such as Frankie Valli, an American singer and songwriter who was a member of the Four Seasons band. Another famous Frankie is Frankie Muniz, an American actor known for his role in the television series "Malcolm in the Middle."
In terms of its meaning, Frankie carries the same significance as Francis or Franz, which is associated with being free-spirited, independent, and courageous. Some people may also associate Frankie with the concept of "being French," given that both Franz and Francis have roots connected to France.
Overall, Frankie is a strong and unique boys' name with an interesting history and meaningful origin. While it has only recently gained popularity as a given name, it has been used as a nickname for centuries and has been popularized by notable figures throughout history. Its meaning is associated with freedom, independence, and courage, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their baby boy.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Frankie in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant fluctuation in the popularity of the name.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Frankie was relatively low, ranging from a low of 17 births in 1880 to a high of 237 births in 1913. However, starting around 1915, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name, with over 300 babies named Frankie born each year.
The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, with over 500 births per year recorded between 1947 and 1952. However, after this period, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Frankie.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Frankie has seen a resurgence. After reaching a low point of just 56 births in 2003, the number of babies named Frankie began to increase again, with over 400 births recorded each year between 2017 and 2023.
Overall, despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Frankie has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. As of 2023, a total of 36,092 babies have been named Frankie since 1880.