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Baby names

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

Original poster

Francis vs Franklin vs Frank

33 replies

Whatwouldyoudo32 · 30/01/2023 13:14

DP is desperate to call DS1 Frank after a very dear relative, I am more than happy however said I think we should go something more formal on the BC for options later on.
My suggestion was Francis but DP suggestion is Franklin and we are struggling to agree, to me Franklin has a very different feel to Frank whereas Francis is traditional like Frank.
what would you do?

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Consufed · 30/01/2023 15:39

Francis with nn Frank is great. Francis reminds me of St Francis, and Frank/Frankie are cute nicknames.

Franklin is too surnamey IMO and the 'lin' ending sounds quite feminine to me, like Carolyn or Evelyn.

IsadoraQuagmire · 30/01/2023 15:06

Francis.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/01/2023 15:02

Definitely Francis.

SummaLuvin · 30/01/2023 15:01

Frank is a standalone name and not, in my opinion, informal. I believe it is actually older than Francis, it doesn't need a longer version for BC, especially if you just intend on using Frank. Worth considering that if you use Franklin/Francis on the BC then you child might divert to using only that, and if the name you really like it Frank then it could be opening up the option for him to use a name one or both of you aren't fussed on for the sake of an unnecessary formality.

I personally love Frank, on Mumsnet it tends to get a varied reception, but I think it has a simple elegance to it. I agree with OP that Franklin has a very different vibe, and I actually find it a very unappealing name. Francis is fine, a little drab to my ears, but nice enough.

Ontopofthesunset · 30/01/2023 14:03

Francis. Frank for short. Really dislike Franklin. It feels like a name from a joke to me. "Do you like Franklin? I don't know, I've never Frankled."

midsomermurderess · 30/01/2023 13:59

Francis. Frank for short.

VenusClapTrap · 30/01/2023 13:52

Francis is lovely. I don’t like Franklin, unless you’re honouring a maiden name or some family connection like that.

I think Frank is fine as a stand-alone name though; unlike a lot of popular shortenings it’s not cutesy and childlike e.g. Alfie, Teddy, Archie etc etc. Frank is perfectly dignified on a professional adult male.

FT123456 · 30/01/2023 13:15

I personally prefer Francis over Franklin.