Meaning:
Its source is an Ancient Germanic expression meaning "French person."
Popularity:
The name Fran ranked 865th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.
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.