Frank is a masculine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Germanic tribal name Franks. The Franks were a group of Germanic tribes who settled in the region around the Rhine river during the Roman Empire.
The name Frank itself means "free" or "bold". This meaning comes from the Old High German word "franko", which was used to describe the free people living within the Frankish kingdom. Over time, the name evolved and became associated with the idea of being independent and brave.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Frank. One of the most well-known is Charles "Charlemagne" Frank, who ruled the Frankish Empire in the late 8th and early 9th centuries. He was a significant figure in European history, known for his military accomplishments and cultural achievements.
In literature, Frank has been used as a character name in several works. One example is Frank Kafka, the protagonist of Franz Kafka's novel "The Trial". In pop culture, Frank is also a popular name among musicians, with notable examples including Frank Sinatra and Frank Ocean.
Today, Frank remains a popular given name for boys in many parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Britain. Its meaning and Germanic origins continue to give it an appealing and strong image.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Frank has seen a significant decrease in popularity over the past century in the United States.
From 1880 to 1915, the number of births with the name Frank fluctuated between a low of 2,402 in 1901 and a high of 15,768 in 1917. The peak occurred during World War I, possibly due to the influence of popular culture or societal trends of the time.
However, after reaching its peak in 1917, the popularity of the name Frank began to decline steadily. By 1940, the number of births with this name had dropped to 10,597, and it continued to fall throughout the remainder of the century.
In the 21st century, the popularity of the name Frank has remained relatively low, with fewer than 1,000 births per year since 2000. The lowest point in recent years was in 2020 and 2021, with only 694 and 691 births respectively.
Overall, while the name Frank was once quite popular in the United States, it has since become much less common. Despite this decline, it remains a timeless and classic choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and traditional name.