Franklin is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #789 in 2008 with 36 recorded births. This places Franklin in the top 14% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2021 with 184 births ranking #260. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 80.0%. In 2008, approximately 1 in every 9,427 boys born was named Franklin. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Franklin is an English surname and title name meaning a free landholder. It has a substantial, respectable feel and a long history in English-speaking naming.
The name comes from a medieval rank rather than from an older personal name. It later became established as both a surname and a first name, helped by famous bearers such as Benjamin Franklin.