Francis \f-ran-cis, fr(a)-ncis\ as a boy's name is pronounced FRAN-sis. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Francis is "frenchman; free man". France was originally the kingdom of the Franks. Saint Francis of Assisi (12th century) is remembered as the gentle giant who delighted in God's works as revealed by nature. Frances is the feminine form; Francois (frah-SWAH) is popular in France. Musician Francis Sinatra, also known as Frank; philosopher Sir Francis Bacon; composer Franz Josef Haydn; King Francois I of France; playwright Ferenc Molnar; French president Francois Mitterrand; film director Francis Ford Coppola; "Star Spangled Banner" author Francis Scott Key; football players Fran Tarkenton, Franco Harris.

Francis has 36 variant forms: Chico, Ferenc, Feri, Fran, Franco, Francesco, Franche, Franchesco, Franchesko, Franchot, Francisco, Franciscus, Franciskus, Francois, Franio, Frank, Frankie, Franko, Frann, Frannie, Frans, Fransisco, Frants, Frantz, Franz, Franzel, Franzen, Franzin, Frasco, Frascuelo, Frasquito, Paco, Pacorro, Panchito, Pancho and Paquito.