Franklin Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Franklin last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Franklin last name
Meaning of the Franklin last name: free landholder. Franklin comes from Middle English frankelin, "free landholder", a freeborn landowner who stood outside the nobility. The franklin was a recognised social rank in the 14th century, and Chaucer gave one his own tale. The name is recorded from the 13th century, especially in the Midlands and East Anglia. Benjamin Franklin, whose family came from Ecton in Northamptonshire, made it one of the best-known American names. Franklins held their land freely, without the labour services owed by villeins, and they ranked below the gentry but above most villagers. The word comes from Anglo-Norman fraunclein, from franc, "free". In the 15th century many franklins rose into the gentry. Spelling variants include Franklyn and Francklin. Franklin families settled early in New England and Virginia, and the name is now widespread across the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Franklin name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Franklin name in England. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Franklin name FAQ
What does the Franklin name mean?
Free landholder. Common variants include Franklyn, Francklin, Frankland.
Where does the Franklin surname come from?
It originates in England, and is also found in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Is there a Franklin coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Franklin crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Franklin coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.