Franco
/ˈfræŋ.koʊ/noun
A Spanish and Italian adjective or name meaning "Frankish" or "free," and a proper name used in surnames and place names.
Did you know?The Germanic tribe name *Frank* became associated with “free” in parts of medieval Europe because the Franks were a ruling people, so the word’s history is tangled with power, status, and identity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*Frankōz
“a Frank; member of the Frankish people”
Late Latin
Latin
Francus
“a Frank, a Frankish person”
Old French
OF
franc
“free; exempt; of the Franks”
Middle English
English
frank
“free, open, sincere”
Modern English
English
frank
“open, candid; also a personal name and element in surnames”