Francesca

Origin and meaning of Francesca

Francesca is the feminine of Francesco, from the medieval Latin Franciscus, 'Frenchman, one of the Franks', a people whose name evoked freedom. Warm and forthright, it is tied to Saint Frances of Rome and to a great Italian tradition. Hugely common in Italy, where it has always been a favourite, it matches the forms Frances, Françoise and Francisca. Loved for its full musicality and sunny character, it unites historical roots with Mediterranean liveliness.

Variants around the world

How Francesca sounds in other languages.

Famous people

• Santa Francesca Romana— saint
• Francesca Caccini— composer