Fran%c3%a7oise

Françoise is the French feminine form of François, itself derived from the medieval Latin Franciscus, meaning "Frank" or "free one," originally an ethnic name for a member of the Germanic Frankish people who gave their name to France. The name became widely used in France following the popularity of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose religious order spread devotion to the name throughout the medieval Christian world. Notable bearers include Françoise de Foix, a celebrated figure at the French royal court, and Françoise Sagan, the influential twentieth-century French novelist. Related forms include Francesca, Francisca, and Frances.