Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Italian
Francesco is a boy's baby name of Italian origin, the Italian form of Francis, originally from the Latin Franciscus, meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free man,' derived from the Germanic tribe name Frank.
The name's most iconic bearer is Saint Francis of Assisi — the 13th-century friar who founded the Franciscan order, preached to the birds, and became the patron saint of animals and the environment. Pope Francis chose his name in honor of this tradition. Francesco carries Saint Francis's legacy of radical simplicity, compassion, and joy.