Frankie

Frankie is a diminutive or nickname form of the name Francis, which is derived from the Germanic name Franciscus. The name Franciscus is thought to have originated from the Germanic elements 'franc' meaning 'free' or 'Frenchman', and 'isc' meaning 'man'.

The name Francis gained widespread popularity due to the fame of St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian Catholic friar and preacher who founded the Franciscan order in the 13th century.

Frankie, as a diminutive of Francis, has been used as a standalone name since the 19th century. It has a friendly and informal quality, and is often associated with a spirited and outgoing personality.

While Frankie is traditionally considered a masculine name, it has also been used as a feminine name in some cases, particularly as a nickname for the name Francesca.