Fannie

Fannie is an English diminutive of Frances, which derives from the Latin Franciscus, originally meaning "Frankish" or "from Francia," referring to the Germanic people who gave their name to France. The name gained widespread use in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, when short forms and pet names were commonly recorded as independent given names. Notable bearers include Fannie Lou Hamer, the American civil rights activist, and Fannie Farmer, the influential American cookery writer. Fanny is the most common spelling variant, while Frances, Francesca, and Francine are closely related forms.