Free man or from France
Originally a diminutive of Frances, it shares the same roots meaning 'free' or referring to the Germanic tribe of the Franks. While it was a top 50 name in the late 19th century, it has since fallen out of common usage in English-speaking countries due to evolving slang.
Less common today
Fanny isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,854 in 1993.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Four-time Olympic gold medalist track athlete
Prolific German composer and pianist
The protagonist of Jane Austen's novel Mansfield Park · Mansfield Park
The title character of the 1748 novel by John Cleland · Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure
American mission worker and prolific hymn writer
Award-winning French actress and director
American illustrated song model, comedian, and singer
