Franklin is a name of American origin, derived from the English surname Franklin which is itself derived from the Middle English given name Franken. The name Franken is composed of two elements: 'franc' meaning 'free' or 'bold', and 'lin' which means 'little'. Therefore, the name Franklin can be interpreted as "bold little one".
The name Franklin first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, but it was not until the 17th century that it began to be used as a given name. However, it gained significant popularity in America after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, became famous for his political and scientific achievements.
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the fifteenth child of a soap maker and later became a prominent printer, publisher, scientist, inventor, and statesman. His many accomplishments include inventing bifocal glasses, improving the design of the lightning rod, and negotiating the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution.
Due to his notable contributions to American society and culture, Benjamin Franklin's name became synonymous with intelligence, ingenuity, and hard work. As a result, the name Franklin began to be used more frequently as a given name for boys in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Today, Franklin is still considered a classic American name that evokes images of wisdom, innovation, and patriotism. While it may not be as popular as some other names, it remains a beloved choice for parents looking for a strong, meaningful name with a rich history.
According to the statistics provided, the name Franklin has seen a steady but modest presence in the United States over the years. Between 1966 and 1982, there were a total of 28 babies named Franklin each year.
The peak years for this name seemed to be around 1970 to 1974, with 6 births per year during these periods. However, it's important to note that even at its peak, the name Franklin was not among the most popular choices, with only 6 babies sharing this name in those years.
The years 1966 and 1982 saw a slight dip in popularity for the name Franklin, with only 5 births each year. This suggests that while Franklin may have been somewhat popular during certain periods, it has never been a highly favored choice among parents.
Overall, these statistics indicate that Franklin is a name that has maintained a consistent but low-level presence in the United States over the past few decades. It's possible that this trend has continued into more recent years as well.