Francisca is a feminine given name derived from the Late Latin name Franciscus, which ultimately traces its origins to the Germanic name Franko, meaning "free" or "Frankish". The name gained widespread popularity in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century Italian friar and founder of the Franciscan order.

The earliest recorded use of the name Francisca dates back to the 11th century, when it was found in various medieval records across Europe. It was particularly common in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where the influence of St. Francis was strongly felt. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the world as a result of missionary work and colonization.

One of the earliest notable figures associated with the name Francisca was Francisca de Rimini (c. 1246-1285), an Italian noblewoman and tragic figure immortalized in Dante's "Divine Comedy". Another early bearer of the name was Francisca de Nebrija (c. 1509-1573), a Spanish scholar and one of the first women to teach at a university.

In the 16th century, Francisca de Carvajal (1537-1598) was a Spanish missionary who traveled to New Spain (present-day Mexico) and played a significant role in the evangelization of indigenous communities. Around the same time, Francisca de Oviedo y Valdés (c. 1550-1634) was a Spanish noblewoman and scholar renowned for her literary talents.

Moving into the 17th century, Francisca de la Natividad (1617-1695) was a Spanish mystic and religious writer, known for her spiritual works and her influential role within the Franciscan order. In the 18th century, Francisca Javiera Cabrini (1850-1917), an Italian-American religious figure, was the first American citizen to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Throughout history, the name Francisca has been borne by numerous other notable individuals, including artists, writers, activists, and political figures, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance across various regions and eras.