FRANKLIN
Franklin
Origin and Meaning: Franklin is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "frankelin," which referred to a landowner or a free man who was not a serf.
History: The surname Franklin has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The earliest recorded instance of the name was a William Franklin who was noted in the Hundred Rolls of 1273 in Cambridgeshire. The name was commonly associated with individuals who held the rank of freeman or landowner. Over time, the surname spread throughout England and beyond, particularly to countries with English-speaking populations.
Notable Bearers: The Franklin surname has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous figures with this surname is Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), an American statesman, scientist, and Founding Father who played a key role in the American Revolution. Other notable bearers of the Franklin surname include Aretha Franklin (1942-2018), the Queen of Soul and renowned singer, and Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), a pioneering scientist whose work contributed to the understanding of DNA.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Franklin is fairly common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is ranked among the top surnames in both countries, reflecting its long history and widespread use. Variants of the surname, such as Franklyn and Frankland, also exist but are less common.
Coat of Arms: The Franklin family crest typically features heraldic symbols such as a shield, a lion, or other elements that represent the family's history and values. Different branches of the Franklin family may have variations of the coat of arms based on their specific lineage.
Modern Usage: Today, the Franklin surname continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots and family heritage. Many individuals with the surname Franklin can trace their lineage back to England, where the name originated. The Franklin name is also used in various contexts, such as in place names, businesses, and cultural references.
Conclusion: The Franklin surname is a prominent and enduring part of English and American history, with a legacy that spans centuries. From landowners in medieval England to iconic figures in modern times, bearers of the Franklin name have made significant contributions to various fields and continue to carry on the family's proud traditions.
There are approximately 19,827 people named Franklin in the UK. That makes it the 434th most common surname in Britain. Around 304 in a million people in Britain are named Franklin.
Surname type: Status name
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
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Amanda
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Fraenkl
- Fraklin
- Francken
- Francklin
- Francklow
- Francklyn
- Francksen
- Franckson
- Francoli
- Francolini
- Francolino
- Frank
- Frankcon
- Frankein
- Frankeli
- Franken
- Franki
- Frankie
- Frankilin
- Frankin
- Franking
- Frankis
- Frankl
- Franklain
- Franklan
- Frankland
- Franklen
- Frankley
- Franklind
- Frankline
- Frankling
- Franklinos
- Franklins
- Frankln
- Franklon
- Frankly
- Franklyn
- Franklyne
- Franklynn
- Franksen
- Frankson
- Frankton
- Frankun
- Frankwin
- Franlin
- Franzolin
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.