Frances is a name of Latin origin that means "free" or "frank". It is derived from the Latin word "francus", which refers to freedom and honesty. The name has been popular throughout history, particularly in France where it was often used as a nickname for individuals who were considered free-spirited or independent.
The name Frances has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar who lived in the 12th and 13th centuries. He is known for his work with the poor and sick, as well as his love for animals. The name Frances has also been used by several queens and noblewomen throughout history, including Frances, Duchess of York, who was a member of the British royal family in the 17th century.
Today, Frances continues to be a popular name for girls around the world. It is often associated with qualities such as independence, honesty, and freedom. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names, those who bear the name Frances are often proud of its unique history and meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Frances was quite popular in the United States during certain periods but has since become less common.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were several years with a notable number of births registered as Frances. The highest recorded years were 1914 to 1917, with 20 or more births each year, peaking at 23 births in 1919. However, from the mid-1920s onwards, the number of annual births named Frances began to decline steadily.
By the 1950s and 1960s, there were fewer than 10 births registered as Frances each year, with some years having only 5 or 6 such births. The most recent data provided is from 1967, with 7 births recorded.
In total, over the period covered by these statistics, there were 952 babies named Frances born in the United States. While once popular, particularly around the early 20th century, the name Frances has become less prevalent in recent decades.