Franklin is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #411 in 1999 with 573 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 909 births ranking #359. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 17.4%. In 1999, approximately 1 in every 3,351 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.