An English, Welsh, Scottish and French surname, the Francis family name is originally Latin with the term Franciscus. The Old French term was ‘Franceis’ which means freeman.

Spelling variations for Francis include Frances, Francies, Franciscus, Francys, Francess, Franceys and Francisco. In other languages the Francis name would be spelled Franz and Franziska in German, Frans in Dutch, Frantzeskos in Greek, Franco and Francesca in Italian and Franchesko in Russian.

In Wales the Francis surname is in Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire region. In England the city of London, Essex, Kent, Sussex, Derbyshire, Norfolk and Surrey have high Francis populations. In Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Midlothian in Scotland has the higher Francis population.

The states primarily with Francis families are Ohio, New York, California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania in the United States.

Famous: Gerry Francis (footballer and manager in England), Arlene Francis (film and TV actress), Steve Francis (professional basketball player), Melissa Francis (TV journalist), Jeff Francis (professional baseball player), Genie Francis (actress), Clare Francis (English author), Anne Francis (film actress).