Meaning: Its source is an Ancient Germanic expression meaning "French person."

Languages: This girl's name is used in Dutch, English and French.

Alternative Spellings: Francene and Franceen

Variant Forms: Francina

Popularity: The name Francine ranked 514th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: The Franks, a Germanic tribe that conquered the territory now known as France in the 6th century, most likely derived their name from their favorite weapon, a type of spear called a franca. The right to carry that weapon may have indicated full membership in the tribe.

They also might have considered this the privilege of a ''free man,'' and this is yet another interpretation of the name.