The name Fran is of Latin origin and it means "free man." It is derived from the Latin word "francus," which refers to someone who is free or independent. The name has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a nickname for French people due to their reputation for being free-spirited and independent.
In the past, Fran was predominantly used as a male name, but in recent years, it has become more popular among females as well. It is often associated with France and French culture, although it can be found in many other countries around the world.
Overall, Fran is a unique and memorable name that carries a strong meaning of independence and freedom. Its Latin origins give it an elegant and timeless feel, while its association with France adds a touch of sophistication and romance.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Fran born annually in the United States from 1918 to 2017.
Over this period, there were a total of 369 babies named Fran born in the U.S. The most popular years for the name were 1958 and 1960, with 21 and 17 births respectively. This suggests that the name Fran reached its peak popularity during the mid-20th century.
However, since then, the number of babies named Fran has declined significantly. Between 1994 and 2017, there were only five years in which more than five babies were named Fran: 1996 (6 births), 1997 (6 births), 2003 (8 births), 2016 (7 births), and 2017 (6 births).
This decline could indicate that the name Fran has fallen out of fashion in recent decades. Nonetheless, it is still possible to find people named Fran today, as evidenced by the handful of births recorded each year since 1994.
In conclusion, while the name Fran was reasonably popular during the mid-20th century, its usage has declined significantly in recent years. However, it remains a unique and distinct name with a total of 369 babies sharing it over the course of a century.