Francis

Francis derives from the Medieval Latin name Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman" or "free man," ultimately rooted in the Germanic tribal name of the Franks. The name gained widespread use across Europe largely through the influence of Saint Francis of Assisi, the thirteenth-century Italian friar whose humility and devotion made him one of the most venerated figures in Christian history. Francis Xavier, a prominent Jesuit missionary of the sixteenth century, further spread the name's popularity. Closely related forms include Francesco in Italian, François in French, Francisco in Spanish and Portuguese, and Franz in German.