The name Franklin is a boy's name of English origin meaning "free landholder". Franklin is ranked #440 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Musician Baby Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "A brother or sister for little Jack or Olivia".
From the experts:
A doubly Presidential name, via Pierce and Roosevelt, Franklin was given an initial boost via the fame of Benjamin Franklin. It also has a literary tie to the main character of the Wilkie Collins classic The Moonstone.
Franklin was a Top 100 name at the peak of the FDR period. But will Franklin get a boost from the pro-Fran-name feeling evidenced since the ascension of Pope Francis? Time will tell.
Lists containing Franklin:
- Musician Baby Names
- Patriotic Baby Names
- Pixar Baby Names
- January Baby Names
- Names That Mean Freedom
Franklin in Blog Posts
Franklin in the Forums
Comments
TechnoKitten Says:
ElsaAnne Says:
I don't know of Franklin Pierce, and forgot about Roosevelt - I'm not American, so these connotations wouldn't jump to my mind. It's disappointing to hear that you would value a name more highly than a person's character, and that you would let that cloud your judgement. I guess we shall have to agree to disagree, but I appreciate that we can all have differing opinions!
Kaylon O. Centres Says:
Franklin is strongly in the masculine territory. It conjures up names like Franklin Pierce, and Franklin Roosevelt. Nothing about the name is feminine at all. In aiming to name a girl, Frances, Francesca are pretty and even Frankie Lynn, perhaps. If I had an applicant named Franklin come for an interview, I'd think she were male. before meeting her. Seeing she was female would be a bit off-putting and probably cause me to consider her a bit less.
ElsaAnne Says:
I do actually also prefer Frances to Franklin for a girl as well. However, I stand by my original comment that I could see this working for a little girl, purely because of the -Lin ending, and the nicknames Fran & Frankie.
Kaylon O. Centres Says:
Franklin would be really ugly on a girl. Frances is so much prettier, feminine and beautiful.
LV51sfan91 Says:
Great boy name!
ElsaAnne Says:
I think this could work really well as a girl's name.
Sjkopsa Says:
Finn is so popular now though. Cute idea,but I am sure by the time I have kids Finn will be the next Noah.
abliss Says:
I like the idea of nn Finn for Franklin
Sjkopsa Says:
I like Franklin but the nick name Frank ruins it for me.
letitsnow Says:
It's a classic name with a strong masculine feel. Everyone is familiar with the name but it isn't used much anymore so hopefully it won't become too popular again like it was in the 1930's. We plan to use it if we have a boy. It is also is in our family history.
jasminegarden Says:
I really like this name :)
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This sounds very masculine to me.I don't think it'll work out for a girl.Kaylon's right,use Frances.