The given name Franz is derived from the Germanic name Franciscus, which itself comes from the Late Latin Francus, meaning "Frankish" or "French". The name was originally an ethnic name referring to members of the Germanic tribe known as the Franks.

The name was adopted into the Christian tradition and became popular across Europe as a result of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), the founder of the Franciscan Order. His birth name was Giovanni, but he took on the name Francesco, the Italian form of Franciscus.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Franz can be found in the Carolingian dynasty, where Frankish kings such as Charlemagne (742-814) and his descendants popularized the name throughout their realm. Over time, the name spread to various regions of Europe, taking on different spellings and forms.

Notable historical figures with the name Franz include Franz Schubert (1797-1828), the renowned Austrian composer who wrote numerous symphonies, operas, and piano works. Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a famous German-language novelist and short story writer, known for his surreal and existential works like "The Metamorphosis" and "The Trial".

Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914), the Archduke of Austria-Este, played a pivotal role in the events leading to World War I. His assassination in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, was the catalyst for the outbreak of the war.

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, and teacher who was a key figure in the Romantic era of classical music. His innovative compositions and performances helped shape the course of modern music.

Franz Boas (1858-1942) was a German-American anthropologist who founded the relativistic, culture-centered approach to anthropology. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern anthropological theory and methodology.