Frankie

Frankie is an English diminutive of Frank or Frances, both ultimately derived from the Latin Franciscus, meaning free one or belonging to the Franks, the Germanic people whose name is connected to an Old High German word for javelin or spear. As a masculine pet form of Frank or Franklin, it gained wide use in the English-speaking world, while as a feminine diminutive of Frances it became popular in its own right during the twentieth century. Notable bearers include American singer Frankie Valli and actress Frankie Howerd. The name shares its roots with Francis, Francisco, and Francesca.