Francis

Francis is a Latin name derived from Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman" or "free one," itself rooted in the Germanic tribal name of the Franks, whose name is thought to connect to a word for "free" or possibly to a type of throwing spear called a francisca. The name gained widespread use in medieval Europe largely through the influence of Saint Francis of Assisi, the thirteenth-century Italian friar and founder of the Franciscan order. It spread across Catholic Europe as both a devotional and dynastic name, borne by several kings of France and Holy Roman Emperors. Related forms include Francesco, Francisco, François, Franz, and the feminine Frances.