Francesco
Francesco is a boy name of Italian origin meaning “Frenchman”, pronounced frahn-CHES-koh. It ranked #1329 in the United States in 2025, given to 145 babies, and peaked at #760 in 1975. Common nicknames: Franco, Checco, Ciccio.
How popular is Francesco in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Francesco mean, and where does it come from?
Francesco means "the Frenchman," and it began as a nickname: Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone's father traded in France and called his son Francesco, and the boy grew up to become Francis of Assisi. The name has been the most-given boys' name in Italy for much of the last century, and it is the name Pope Francis chose in 2013. In American records it has been present since 1906, carried by Italian immigration and now by families returning to the full Italian form instead of Frank.
How is Francesco used around the world?
Francesco is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
Female FormFrancesca
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Francesco?
Famous People Named Francesco
- Francis of Assisi — Italian friar, founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of Italy
- Francesco Totti — Italian footballer and one-club man for Roma
- Francesco Petrarca — Italian scholar and poet, known in English as Petrarch
Similar Names to Francesco
If you like Francesco, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Francesco
Looking for names that pair well with Francesco? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Francesco mean?
Francesco is a boy name of Italian origin meaning "Frenchman." Francesco means "the Frenchman," and it began as a nickname: Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone's father traded in France and called his son Francesco, and the boy grew up to become Francis of Assisi. The name has been the most-given boys' name in Italy for much of the last century, and it is the name Pope Francis chose in 2013.
How do you pronounce Francesco?
Francesco is pronounced frahn-CHES-koh. Common variations include Francisco, Francis, François.
Is Francesco a boy name?
Yes, Francesco is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Franco, Checco, Ciccio, Frank.