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Name Origin

Francis is a masculine given name of Latin origin, meaning 'free man' or 'Frenchman'. It derives from the Late Latin name Franciscus, which itself evolved from the Germanic name Frank.

latinmasculinefrenchmangermanicreligious

Famous People

Francis Bacon (1561-1626)

Philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, orator, and author

  • Developed the scientific method
  • Contributed to the fields of optics, astronomy, and medicine
  • Wrote influential essays and philosophical works

Francis Scott Key (1779-1843)

Lawyer and poet

  • Wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Francis Crick (1916-2004)

Molecular biologist, biophysicist, and neuroscientist

  • Co-discovered the structure of DNA with James Watson
  • Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962

Francis Ford Coppola (1939-)

Film director, screenwriter, and producer

  • Directed iconic films such as "The Godfather" trilogy, "Apocalypse Now", and "Bram Stoker's Dracula"

Francis Drake (1540-1596)

Explorer, privateer, admiral

  • Circumnavigated the globe
  • Led raids against Spanish ships and colonies

Francis Collins (1950-)

Geneticist, physician

  • Led the Human Genome Project
  • Served as Director of the National Institutes of Health

Francis Fukuyama (1952-)

Political scientist, philosopher

  • Authored influential works on the end of history and political order
  • Prominent commentator on international relations