Find out how popular the first name Francesca has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Francesca by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Francesca is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Francesca being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 820 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Francesca.

The history of the first name Francesca

The name Francesca is derived from the Late Latin name Francisca, which was the feminine form of the masculine name Franciscus. Franciscus was derived from the Germanic name Franci, which referred to the Franks, a Germanic people who played a significant role in the history of Europe.

The name Francisca was first popularized in Italy during the Middle Ages, particularly due to the influence of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), the founder of the Franciscan Order. Saint Francis's dedication to poverty and humility inspired many followers, and the name became associated with his ideals.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Francesca can be found in Dante Alighieri's literary work, the Divine Comedy, written in the early 14th century. In the poem, Dante meets the character of Francesca da Rimini, a noblewoman who was condemned to Hell for her adulterous love affair.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Francesca, including:

1. Francesca Caccini (1587-1640), an Italian composer and singer who was one of the first women to write an opera.
2. Francesca Woodman (1958-1981), an American photographer known for her black and white self-portraits.
3. Francesca da Rimini (c. 1255-1285), the historical figure depicted in Dante's Divine Comedy, who was condemned for her adulterous love affair.
4. Francesca Annis (born 1945), an English actress known for her roles in films like "Dune" and "Husbands and Wives."
5. Francesca Zambeccari (c. 1620-1701), an Italian painter and nun who specialized in still-life paintings.

The name Francesca has maintained its popularity throughout the centuries, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe, as well as in regions with a strong Catholic or Christian influence due to its association with Saint Francis of Assisi.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Francesca was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Francesca, please contact us.

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