Frances
Meaning: Free woman, from France
Origin: Latin/French
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #225
Total births: 1,651
History: Frances peaked in the 1960s in Australia. The name has a quiet, dignified character. Frances represents the Catholic-Australian naming tradition — Saint Frances being particularly honored in Australian Catholic communities.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1965) | #98 |
| Babies named Frances in 1965 | 77 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 1,651 |
| Peak year | 1953 (143 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #62 |
| Years in records | 1952–1965 (14 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 22 spots |
Frequently asked about Frances
What does the name Frances mean?
Frances means “Free woman, from France” from Latin/French roots.
What is the origin of the name Frances?
Frances has Latin/French origin. The traditional meaning is “Free woman, from France”.
How popular is Frances in Australia?
Frances ranked #98 in Australia in 1965 — given to 77 babies that year.
When was Frances most popular?
Frances peaked in 1953 with 143 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Frances a boy or girl name?
Frances is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Francess in registered births are female.
Is the name Frances rising or falling in popularity?
Frances has fallen 22 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #76 in 1960 to #98 in 1965.
How long has Frances been recorded in Australia?
Frances appears in birth records in Australia across 14 years — from 1952 through 1965.