Origin & Meaning of the Frances Surname
What does the last name Frances mean?
The surname Frances carries the meaning "Son of Frances." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,222 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Frances ranks as the #13,627 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Frances come from?
The Frances surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Frances name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Frances trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Frances |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Frances |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,627 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,222 |
| Per 100K People | 0.75 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Frances
According to the US Census, the Frances surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,222 Americans with the Frances last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 53.65% |
| Black | 22.77% |
| Hispanic | 17.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.25% |
| Native American | 2.25% |
| Two or More Races | 1.94% |
Popularity of Frances Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Frances surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Frances surname decreased by 121 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Frances
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Frances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frances
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