How to Pronounce Frank
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Frank name meaning
First Name
917k
in the U.S.
since 1880
917k
in the U.S.
since 1880
Last Name
67k
in the U.S.
in 2010
67k
in the U.S.
in 2010
Girls
Boys
Meaning and Origin
What does the name Frank mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Frank
User Submitted Origins
German
56%
English
41%
Italian
3%
User Submitted Meanings
- 2 submissions from Maryland, U.S. agree the name Frank means "Free man" and is of American / German origin.
- A submission from New York, U.S. says the name Frank means "Frenchman or free man" and is of German origin.
- According to a user from Germany, the name Frank is of German origin and means "'Frank' is derived from the Old High German name Franko, which in turn goes back to the tribal name of the Franks. The meaning of franko is originally 'the Franke', of frank for 'free', 'brave'".
- According to a user from New Hampshire, U.S., the name Frank means "Believe it derives from 'Francesco,' a nikname for the father of St Francis, a merchant who woud return from Avignon, lauding that city. Derisively, he was called 'il Fracesco,' or 'the French guy.' As often happens in Italy, the father's nickname passed on to the son. The saint's popularity caused it to spread throughout Italy, often shortened to 'Franco.'".
- According to a user from the United Kingdom, the name Frank is of Shona origin and means "Strong man radiating masculine passion".
- A submission from Maryland, U.S. says the name Frank means "HAPPY".
- A submission from Germany says the name Frank means "Honest" and is of German origin.
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun Frank
A pigsty.
Etymology: OF. franc
verb Frank
To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten.
noun Frank
The common heron; -- so called from its note.
adjective frank
Senses
- Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.(R)"It is of frankgift." [Spenser.]
- Free in uttering one's real sentiments; not reserved; using no disguise; candid; ingenuous; as, a frank nature, conversation, manner, etc.
- Liberal; generous; profuse.(Obs)" Frank of civilities that cost them nothing." [L'Estrange.]
- Unrestrained; loose; licentious; -- used in a bad sense.synonyms: Ingenuous; candid; artless; plain; open; unreserved; undisguised; sincere. See Candid Ingenuous.
Etymology: F. franc free, frank, L. Francus a Frank, fr. OHG. Franko the name of a Germanic people on the Rhine, who afterward founded the French monarchy; cf. AS. franca javelin, Icel. frakka. Cf. Franc French (a.) Franchise (n.)
verb frank
Senses
- To send by public conveyance free of expense.
- To extempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
noun Frank
The privilege of sending letters or other mail matter, free of postage, or without charge; also, the sign, mark, or signature denoting that a letter or other mail matter is to go free of postage. Called also the franking privilege .
Etymology: See Frank (a.)
noun Frank
Senses
- [Ethnol] A member of one of the German tribes that in the fifth century overran and conquered Gaul, and established the kingdom of France.
- A native or inhabitant of Western Europe; a European; -- a term used in the Levant.
- A French coin. See Franc.
Etymology: Cf. F. franc. See Frank (a.)
Other Dictionary Sources
- A smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
- A member of the ancient Germanic peoples who spread from the Rhine into the Roman Empire in the 4th century
- Exempt by means of an official pass or letter, as from customs or other checks
- Stamp with a postmark to indicate date and time of mailing
- Characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion ("tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank")
- Clearly manifest; evident ("frank enjoyment")
Wiktionary
From Middle English Frank, partially from Old English Franca (“a Frank”); and partially from Old French Franc, and/or Latin Francus (“a Frank”), from Frankish *Franko (“a Frank”); both from Proto-Germanic *frankô (“javelin”). Cognate with Old High German Franko (“a Frank”), Old English franca (“spear, javelin”). Compare Saxon, ultimately a derivative of Proto-Germanic *sahsą (“knife, dagger”).
- One of the Franks, a Germanic federation that inhabited parts of what are now France, the Low Countries and Germany.
The surname derives from the medieval tribal name. The given name is also a form of Francis, with formal given name status since the 19th century.
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
- A diminutive of the male given name Francis
- A surname.
Frank was also found in the following language(s): Danish, Dutch, Faroese, French, German, Icelandic, Manx, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Swedish
Notable Persons Named Frank
Notable Persons Named Frank
Frank Sinatra
His career lasted from 1935 to 1994. Frank was given the name Francis Albert Sinatra by his parents Anthony Martin Sinatra and Dolly Sinatra on December 12th, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S. He breathed his last breath on May 14th, 1998.
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is a contemporary r&b musician. He holds the title Voodoo". He has been prominent since 2007. Frank was given the name Christopher Edwin Breaux on October 28th, 1987 in Long Beach, California, United States. Frank is also known as Ocean, Christopher Francis (birth name); Breaux, Christopher; Breaux, and Lonny.
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa was a musician, songwriter, composer, conductor, record producer, activist, filmmaker, actor, and author. He holds the title Peaches En Regalia, Waka/Jawaka, The Black Page Drum Solo/Black Page #1, Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar Some More, and Naval Aviation in Art?. He has had major accomplishments since 1955. Frank was given the name Frank Vincent Zappa on December 21st, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. He passed away on December 4th, 1993.
Frank Abagnale
Frank Abagnale is a ceo of abagnale & associates, chief executive officer, and ceoof abagnale & associates (security consultants). Frank was given the name Frank William Abagnale, Jr. on April 27th, 1948 in Bronxville, New York, U.S.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was an architect. Frank was born on June 8th, 1867 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, U.S. He breathed his last breath on April 9th, 1959.
Frank Grillo
Frank Grillo is an actor. His most notable accomplishments were from 1993 to present. Frank was given the name Frank Anthony Grillo on June 8th, 1965 in New York City, New York, U.S.
- Frank LampardSoccer Player
- Gary CooperActor
- Frank de BoerSoccer Player
- Frank Lucas
- Frank GehryArchitect
- Nikki SixxMusician
- Frank LangellaActor
- Frank MillerComics Creator
- Frank OzPuppeteer
- Ted LevineActor
- Frank DarabontScreenwriter
- Frank CapraDirector
- Shepard FaireyArtist
- Frank HerbertWriter
Notable Persons With the Last Name Frank
Notable Persons With the Last Name Frank
Anne Frank
Anne Frank is a writer. Anne was given the name Annelies or Anneliese Marie Frank on June 12th, 1929 in Frankfurt.
Jason David Frank
Jason David Frank is a martial artist. Jason was born on September 4th, 1973 in Covina, California.
Barney Frank
Barney Frank is a Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Ranking Member of theHouse Financial Services Committee, and Chair of theHouse Financial Services Committee. Barney was born on March 31st, 1940 in Bayonne, New Jersey.
Otto Frank
Otto Frank was a banker and spice merchant. Otto was given the name Otto Heinrich Frank on May 12th, 1889 in Frankfurt. He breathed his last breath on August 19th, 1980.
Hans Frank
Hans Frank was a chancellor. He has had major accomplishments since 1939. Hans was born on May 23rd, 1900 in Karlsruhe. He breathed his last breath on October 16th, 1946.
Leo Frank
Leo was given the name Leo Max Frank on April 17th, 1884 in Cuero, Texas. He breathed his last breath on August 17th, 1915.
Common last names for Frank
Ethnicity Distribution
| Ethnicity | Frank | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| █ | White | 84.54% | 64.26% |
| █ | African American | 7.96% | 11.96% |
| █ | Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander | 0.99% | 4.85% |
| █ | American Indian and Alaska Native | 2.23% | 0.69% |
| █ | Two or More Ethnicities | 1.60% | 1.76% |
| █ | Hispanic or Latino | 2.68% | 16.26% |
Of Last Name Frank
People with the last name Frank are most frequently White
Entire United States
Fun Facts about the name Frank
| #32 | Most Popular Boy Names |
| #50 | Classic Boy Names |
| #4 | Old-Fashioned Boy Names |
| #16 | Boy Names Unique to the Northeast |
| #15 | Boy Names Unique to the Mideast |