Francine

Francine is a French name (pronounced frawn-SEEN in France); it’s the diminutive of Françoise, itself the female form of François – the masculine equivalent of Francis.  All of the “Francis” names are ultimately derived from the Latin Franciscus which means, literally, “Frankish” (cognate with “French”). The Franks were the precursors to the present-day French people; originating as a Germanic people that conquered northern Gaul from the Romans during the collapse of the Roman Empire and established France for themselves. The origin of the ethnic tribal name is uncertain, though some etymologists surmise it may be derivative of *frankon, an ancient Germanic word for “javelin” (in reference to the tribe’s preferred weapon of war). The Medieval Latin Franc, however, came to mean, quite literally, “a freeman, a Frank” in reference to the French people in general, ultimately borrowed from the Old French “franc” meaning “free, liberal, generous.”   Therefore, as a feminine diminutive, Francine basically means “little free one” or “little French girl.”  Frances (English), Francesca (Italian), and Françoise/Francine (French) are all female names that came into circulation around the 14th century and exclusively in honor of one man: St. Francis of Assisi. Interestingly, St. Francis’s baptismal name was actually Giovanni, but his father gave him the nickname “Franciscus” in honor of the French people who he greatly admired.  One of the most important and popular saints ever (and certainly in his own life time), St. Francis established the Franciscan Order.  He and his disciples dedicated themselves to humility, poverty and the love for all living creatures. St. Francis is often depicted surrounded by animals, particularly birds (not only is he the patron saint of animals and the environment, but he is also the patron saint of Italy).  Indeed, Francis (and all of his linguistic off-shoots) is a very holy name among Catholics. Even today’s Pope Francis chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.