FRANCIS
Francis
Francis is a common surname of English origin that originally derived from the given name "Francis," which itself is of Latin origin meaning "Frenchman" or "free man." The surname Francis is one of several surnames that developed from the popularity of the given name during the Christianization of Europe, particularly in England.
History:
The surname Francis has ancient origins, with records of its use dating back to medieval times in England. The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, the name became Anglicized and adopted as a surname by individuals who bore the name Francis or were associated with someone named Francis.
Distribution and Variants:
The surname Francis is widespread throughout the English-speaking world, with concentrations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Variants of the surname include Franco, Frances, and Francisco, among others.
Notable People:
- Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) - English naval hero and explorer.
- Anne Francis (1930-2011) - American actress known for her roles in film and television.
- Connie Francis (b. 1938) - American singer known for hit songs such as "Who's Sorry Now?" and "Lipstick on Your Collar."
Cultural References:
The surname Francis has been featured in various works of literature, film, and television. Characters with the surname Francis are often portrayed as strong, noble, and determined individuals.
In conclusion, the surname Francis is a venerable English surname with a rich history and cultural significance. Its association with the given name Francis underscores the enduring popularity and widespread adoption of this name across generations.
There are approximately 47,576 people named Francis in the UK. That makes it the 148th most common surname in Britain. Around 731 in a million people in Britain are named Francis.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Franci
- Frances
- Franc
- Fracis
- Franceis
- Franics
- Frnacis
- Francia
- Francise
- Franciso
- Francais
- Francas
- Francese
- Francess
- Franceys
- Francias
- Francic
- Francies
- Francik
- Francillia
- Francillon
- Francine
- Francini
- Francioli
- Francione
- Francioni
- Francios
- Franciosa
- Franciosi
- Francioso
- Franciosy
- Francique
- Francisca
- Francisci
- Francisco
- Franciscus
- Francisque
- Franciss
- Francks
- Francois
- Francoise
- Franconi
- Francos
- Francs
- Francus
- Franes
- Franic
- Franices
- Franis
- Frankis
- Frankish
- Frankiss
- Frankist
- Fransch
- Franse
- Franses
- Fransis
- Fransisco
- Franze
- Franzese
- Franzi
- Franzin
- Franzini
- Franzos
- Franzosi
- Franzoso
- Frencis
- Frense
- Frinces
- Frncis
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.