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Franklin
Pronounced FRANK-lin /ˈfræŋk.lɪn/High
Meaning: From the English surname, 'a freeholder; a free landholder' (from Middle English frankeleyn); overwhelmingly a boys' name, here recorded for a girl; we flag the cross-sex useLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Franklin comes from the English surname, 'a freeholder; a free landholder' (from Middle English frankeleyn). It is overwhelmingly a boys' name; on this record it is given to a girl, which we flag honestly (slug distinguished; said 'FRANK-lin').
In the U.S. it is almost entirely a boys' name. As a girl's name it is very rare, a-freeholder at the root, and classic.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Franklin mean?
Franklin is an English surname, 'a freeholder; a free landholder'. It is overwhelmingly a boys' name; here it is recorded for a girl, which we flag.
How do you pronounce Franklin?
It's said FRANK-lin /ˈfræŋk.lɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Franklin a boy or girl name?
Franklin is overwhelmingly a boys' name; this record is for a girl, which we flag honestly.
How popular is Franklin?
As a girl's name Franklin is very rare in the U.S.