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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Frankie truly gender neutral?

32 replies

NEC2678 · 28/03/2023 12:59

Or am I saddling my son with a girly nickname.
Frankie will only be a nn whilst he is young for everyone who will say he’ll need a more formal name on the BC

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CharlotteFlax · 31/03/2023 13:39

The first Frankie I knew was a girl, 38 years ago (nn for Frances)

The only Frankies I've known since have been boys and they've been Frankie proper or nn for Frank.

liquidgummybears · 31/03/2023 13:30

I'd assume it was a girl BUT wouldn't give it a second thought if I found out it was s boy. I only happen to know female Frankies in real life.

Justinripley · 31/03/2023 10:53

I know an equal number of both!

CantStandMeow · 31/03/2023 10:39

I know loads of girl Frankies but no boys. They seem to go by Frank or Franklin. I think it's the long e sound that follows more traditionally feminine names (Sophie, Emily etc) But then again I know an equal mix of male and female Jamie and that has the same ending

Rowthe · 31/03/2023 10:34

For me it's more of a girls name.

DuchessOfSausage · 31/03/2023 10:32

I think that traditionally it's more a boy's name (Valli, Avalon, Howerd) but more recently a diminutive for Francesca. I'd put a fuller name on the BC.
Not keen on it for either sex. It's a bit babyish for a boy and not very pretty for a girl.

PearlClutzsche · 31/03/2023 09:56

It's unisex now, though I think the female version is more recent.

There were singers (in the 50s and 60s) Frankie Valli and Frankie Avalon - both male - and an 80s song "Frankie" by Sister Sledge, about a boy. The name of the group 'Frankie Goes to Hollywood' was a reference to Frank Sinatra.

That said, the two Frankies I've come across more recently have been girls.

Train007 · 29/03/2023 23:42

The only Frankie I know is female…never occurred to me it was a boy’s name.

ourflagmeansdeath · 29/03/2023 23:38

Yes. I've known both and they both suited the name very well.

Climbles · 29/03/2023 00:07

I’d definitely think boy over girl

fairycupcakes · 29/03/2023 00:05

I would say so!

I can remember 2 from school. A boy and a girl and both of their names were just Frankie, not short for anything.

Luredbyapomegranate · 28/03/2023 22:25

Yes it’s a unisex nn for Francis or Frances, same as Alex is a unisex nn for Alexander or Alexandra (and various other versions of the names, obviously)

PurpleAirGuitar · 28/03/2023 22:14

I've known one of each. The male Frankie was officially Frankie, the female one was short for Francesca. I think I'd assume a boy if I didn't know anything about the person apart from their name.

drpet49 · 28/03/2023 18:26

Twoinapod · 28/03/2023 14:00

I’d be more likely to assume boy than girl

This. I’ve never known or met a female Frankie

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 28/03/2023 18:25

I'm thinking.... I know/know of two boys and two girls called Frankie. I don't think I'd assume either way, . Maybe for an adult I'd assume a man. Maybe not, since I know adult Jamies and Johnnies.

Mixkle · 28/03/2023 16:20

Yes, I know 3 Frankies, two female one male. Two primary age, one (female) middle aged.

Honoraryuce · 28/03/2023 15:19

I'd say more for a girl than a boy but fairly gender neutral.

GrinAndVomit · 28/03/2023 15:02

No more or less than Alex is

Mumof1andacat · 28/03/2023 15:01

I would always give a baby a name which they can choose to shorten when they are older if they want to. So Francis (frank or frankie) Charles (Charlie) Edward (Ed, Teddy or ted)

inappropriateraspberry · 28/03/2023 14:51

I now a boy Frankie. Not at all seen as a girly name. I'd assume boy over girl each time and think it more unusual for a girl to be called it.

mathanxiety · 28/03/2023 14:49

What's wrong with a unisex name for a boy?

pooroldEnga · 28/03/2023 14:48

Do you remember the pop singer from early 2000s Cassie? I saw on Instagram that she has a daughter called Frankie. I also know a Frank (bloke) who goes by Frankie. I honestly think it's totally fine either way

VeryQuaintIrene · 28/03/2023 14:46

My 2 week old niece is Frankie, for Frances (thus a girl).

gogohmm · 28/03/2023 14:44

I would initially say it's a boys name so no it's definitely not a girls name

pooroldEnga · 28/03/2023 14:33

I think its ok for both. Suits a boy just fine.