Franklin
Franklin: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɹæŋklɪn/
Meaning and origin of Franklin
Root meaning: “freeholder”
- A male given name transferred from the surname, partly in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
Etymology
From Middle English frankelein (“freeholder”), see franklin. The place names are mostly named after American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790).
How popular is Franklin?
Since 1880, 778 girls and 141,728 boys in the U.S. have been named Franklin (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1524 in 1933. Its highest rank for boys was #33 in 1933. In 2025 it ranked #359 for boys, with 909 babies given the name.
Names similar to Franklin
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English boy names
Sibling name ideas for Franklin
Sister and brother names that share Franklin's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Franklin FAQ
What does the name Franklin mean?
Franklin traces back to a root meaning "freeholder". A male given name transferred from the surname, partly in honor of Benjamin Franklin. From Middle English frankelein (“freeholder”), see franklin. The place names are mostly named after American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790).
What is the origin of the name Franklin?
Franklin is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Franklin?
Since 1880, 778 girls and 141,728 boys in the U.S. have been named Franklin (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1524 in 1933. Its highest rank for boys was #33 in 1933. In 2025 it ranked #359 for boys, with 909 babies given the name.
Is Franklin a boy or girl name?
Franklin is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 778 girls and 141,728 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.