Franklin

Revision History

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4/23/2024, 9:35 PM Mike C update #115
5/30/2011, 5:41 PM Mike C earliest recorded revision

Type Surname (from occupation)
Usage English
Pronounced Pron. FRANGK-lin

Meaning & History

Derived from Middle English frankelin meaning "freeman". It denoted a landowner of free but not noble birth, from Old French franc meaning "free". Famous bearers include American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) and American singer Aretha Franklin (1942-2018).