Find out how popular the first name Franke has been for the last 21 years (from 1986 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Franke by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Franke is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Franke.

The history of the first name Franke

The name Franke is of Germanic origin, derived from the ancient Frankish tribe that inhabited parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. The Franks were a powerful confederation of Germanic tribes that played a significant role in shaping European history.

The name Franke is thought to have evolved from the Old Frankish word "franka," meaning "free" or "frank," referring to the independent and fearless nature of the Frankish people. This name was likely adopted by individuals who were either members of the Frankish tribe or associated with their culture and way of life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Franke can be found in the Codex Diplomaticus Saxoniae Regiae, a collection of medieval documents from the region of Saxony, dating back to the 9th century. This suggests that the name had already gained popularity among Germanic peoples during the Carolingian period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Franke. One of the most famous was Franke Borselen (1406-1470), a Dutch nobleman and military leader who played a crucial role in the Utrecht Rebellion against the Dukes of Burgundy in the 15th century.

Another prominent figure was Franke Janszoon (1608-1668), a Dutch explorer and whaler who is credited with being the first European to land on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. His expedition in 1638 led to the establishment of a Dutch settlement on the island.

In the realm of literature, Franke Manley (1860-1930) was an American author and journalist who wrote several popular novels and short stories in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including "The Heart of a Girl" and "The Eternal Magnet."

The name Franke also has a connection to the world of art through Franke Alfred Schmitz (1834-1909), a German painter and sculptor known for his realistic depictions of animals and landscapes. His works were widely exhibited throughout Europe during his lifetime.

Finally, Franke Wilmer (1887-1977) was a prominent American educator and administrator who served as the president of Oberlin College in Ohio from 1946 to 1959, overseeing a period of significant growth and development for the institution.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Franke throughout history, highlighting its deep roots in Germanic culture and its enduring presence across various fields and disciplines.

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 Franke was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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