Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. FRANGK-lin [key·IPA] 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". DetailsRelated Names VariantsFrank, FranklynGiven Name DescendantFranklin(English) Categories Doctor Who actors, freedom Entry updated November 18, 2011 ·