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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Franklin or Francis

39 replies

Helpmetopickone · 30/07/2021 10:32

He will be known as Frank day to day but want a longer version for his BC, Francis is it too girly? I know Franklin is very marmite but I really like it

Please help

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BlueLobelia · 30/07/2021 14:29

I love Franklin.

But then The Moonstone is my favourite book and one of the main characters is Franklin Blake.

MayorGoodwaysChicken · 30/07/2021 14:27

I would definitely just go with Frank. It’s a name in itself, why complicate things for the child for life unnecessarily. I say that as someone who has a ‘full’ name which has never been used and it’s sooo annoying always having to use that name in certain situations. I am actually quite cross with my parents for choosing to christen me a long name that they had no intention of ever using, without thinking about what that actually means for the child. I intentionally called my children names which are just their names - no long and short version. Rant over!

Also, I find Francis really flowery and it has a totally different sound to Frank so it’s a bit weird to use both those IMO. And sorry to use the word which I know is horrible and hated on here but I honestly find Franklin a bit (whispers) chavvy. It’s one of these American names which has worked its way over and I just don’t like the image it goes with.

And before I’m slated my child has a name which is regularly trashed on here and called common and chavvy but I don’t think of it that way at all so don’t care two hoots!

greendress789 · 30/07/2021 14:26

Franklin!

HoldingTheDoor · 30/07/2021 14:25

Francis is slightly better because it doesn't have that awful "Ank" sound. I just can't imagine looking at a lovely newborn and thinking that I'd call him such a harsh,ugly name as Frank.

Swearwolf · 30/07/2021 14:22

I have a Franklin, it suits him!

ScarfsForAllSeasons · 30/07/2021 14:18

I dislike Francis, it's so feminine.

Love Franklin though.

giantwaterbottle · 30/07/2021 11:49

I love Francis and wish I'd used it for one of Ds's

Einszwei · 30/07/2021 11:44

I love Francis. Franklin reminds me of the animated turtle who was always grumpy!

paintedpanda · 30/07/2021 11:38

I have a Franklin and it suits him down to the ground. We never shorten it though, it's always Franklin. We gave it to him knowing it would get shortened by others but as far as I'm aware, no one ever does.

RuthW · 30/07/2021 11:18

I like both

Woolywolf · 30/07/2021 10:48

I prefer Francis, especially in the UK. It sounds like a real (old fashioned but nice) Irish name to me, whereas Franklin sounds a bit American/surname ish to me. Frank is lovely though

ofwarren · 30/07/2021 10:45

I prefer Franklin. Francis does seem a bit feminine to my ears.

BergamotMouse · 30/07/2021 10:44

I'd probably just go for Frank.

I like Francis but think Franklin shortens to Frank better.

Terrazzo · 30/07/2021 10:34

I think your OP gives you your answer!

I wondered the same for my 2 boys (didn’t go with either in the end). I think I’d go for Francis as we’re not cool/edgy enough to pull of Franklin but you may be!