The given name Francine has its origins in the Late Latin name Francisca, which was the feminine form of the male name Franciscus. Franciscus itself was derived from the Germanic name Franko, meaning "free" or "Frankish." This connection to the Frankish people places the name's earliest roots in what is now modern-day France and Germany, dating back to the 6th century AD.

Francine and its variants, such as Francesca and Franziska, gained popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "The Song of Roland," which mentions a character named Francine, the daughter of a Frankish nobleman.

In the religious sphere, Saint Francine was a 5th-century martyr from Rome who was venerated by the Catholic Church. Her name and story may have contributed to the name's dissemination across Christian communities.

During the Renaissance, the name Francine became particularly popular in Italy, where it was borne by several notable figures. Francine Caccini (1587-1640) was an Italian composer, singer, and poet, considered one of the first professional female composers of the Baroque era.

In the 17th century, Francine Pascal (1623-1687) was a French mathematician and philosopher who made significant contributions to the development of probability theory and the philosophy of mathematics.

Moving to the 19th century, Francine Clary (1777-1835) was the wife of Joseph Bonaparte, the older brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, and briefly served as Queen of Naples during the Napoleonic Wars.

In more recent history, Francine Houben (born 1955) is a Dutch architect and founder of the architectural firm Mecanoo, renowned for her innovative and sustainable designs.

Francine Niyonsaba (born 1993) is a Burundian middle-distance runner and Olympic silver medalist, known for her success in the 800 meters and 5,000 meters events.