Franklin is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English given name Franklyn, which was itself a diminutive of the Germanic personal name Frankland or Franklintun, composed of the elements "franc" meaning "free" and "land" or "-tun" meaning "estate". Therefore, Franklin literally means "from the free land".
The name Franklin has been used throughout history, with notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, contributing to its popularity. However, it is important to note that this text does not discuss any specific traits or characteristics associated with individuals named Franklin, nor does it mention any related holidays or celebrations.
In terms of its history and usage, Franklin has been a popular name in English-speaking countries for centuries. It ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the 1930s. While it has since declined in popularity, Franklin remains a classic and respected choice for parents naming their sons.
Overall, Franklin is a name with a strong historical background and a clear meaning rooted in Germanic language elements. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its rich heritage and timeless significance.
The name Franklin has seen a diverse range of popularity over the years in the United States, with significant fluctuations in its usage as a baby's first name.
In the late 19th century, the name Franklin maintained a steady presence among newborns, with an average of about 100 births per year between 1880 and 1897. However, the early 20th century marked a turning point for the popularity of this name, as it began to rise significantly.
By 1912, Franklin had reached a new milestone with 497 births, more than quadrupling its annual average from just two decades prior. This upward trend continued over the next few years, culminating in an impressive 1,451 births in 1920 – a figure that remained unmatched for nearly another century.
The name Franklin reached peak popularity during the late 1930s and early 1940s, with a total of 2754 births recorded in 1932 alone. This period also saw several consecutive years where over 2000 babies were named Franklin annually. However, after World War II, usage of the name began to decline steadily.
From the mid-1950s onwards, Franklin's popularity fluctuated greatly, oscillating between high and low points but never again reaching the heights it had previously scaled. Between 1965 and 2023, the number of annual births with the name Franklin averaged around 800, with some years seeing as few as 495 births (in 2012) and others exceeding 1000 (such as 137 in 1900).
In recent times, Franklin has seen renewed interest among parents, with numbers rising from 662 births in 2014 to 800 births recorded in 2021. As of 2022, there were 785 births named Franklin, indicating that this classic name continues to be chosen by families across America.
Overall, the name Franklin has had a rich and varied history throughout its usage as a baby's first name in the United States. Its popularity has waxed and waned over time but remains a beloved choice among parents today.