National Franklin Day - National Franklin Day is your chance to honor your most beloved Franklin, whether they are popular to the world or just to you.

National Franklin Day 2025 – April 28, 2025

National Franklin Day falls on April 28. This unofficial holiday is your time to celebrate your favorite Franklin. This could be a famous Franklin in the media or in history or a good friend you know. This traditional name was previously very common but is now declining as people choose trendier and newer alternatives. However, this solid name carries a great meaning behind it.

History of National Franklin Day

The name ‘Franklin’ is an English name meaning ‘free landowner.’ This English name originated from the medieval English name ‘Frankeleyn.’ The name ‘Frankeyleyn’ was derived from the Anglo-Norman name ‘Fraunclien.’ There are many variations of the name, such as the masculine names Frank, Francis, and FransFranz and the feminine names Francesca, Francine, and Frances. Some opt to give their children the nickname Frankie as a first name. It’s also a common surname that was common in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920 but is now found primarily in the U.S.In the medieval Kingdom of England from the 12th to the 15th century, the term ‘franklin’ was used to describe a social class. A franklin is a freeman who was not bound to the feudal system that was in place at the time. They are not a slave or a serf — a laborer that’s bound to a piece of land and works for whoever owns that land. This term evolved to refer to a freeholder. This means that the person who buys a property outright owns the property and the land it’s built on. This is opposed to a leaseholder who only owns the property and land temporarily while they continue paying rent for it. The term Franklin disappeared with the end of the feudal system as now every man is free.This name was moderately popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, but became more common during the 30s and 40s, due to the beloved President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The name declined in popularity in the 21st century as it became a more old-fashioned option. However, the rise in using last names as first names could bring this traditional name back up.

National Franklin Day timeline

1369
Literature

Chaucer’s “The Franklin Tales” is published, a story about a very simple and no-nonsense man.

1776
Independence

Benjamin Franklin helps draft the Declaration of Independence.

1945
History

President Franklin D. Roosevelt leads America through victory against Nazi Germany.

1956
Music

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, released her first album.

National Franklin Day FAQs

Is the name Franklin biblical?

No, there is no mention of the name Franklin in the bible.

Can Franklin be a girls name?

While most find this name too masculine for girls, in the U.S. eight girls were given the name Franklin in 2020.

Are there nicknames for Franklin?

The most common nicknames for Franklin are Frank and Frankie.

National Franklin Day Activities

  1. Read up on a Franklin

    There have been so many great Franklins throughout history and many of them played a huge part in shaping history. Take the day to read up about their accomplishments and contributions.

  2. Celebrate a Franklin

    While few people have chosen this name in the last few years, you’re bound to know someone with this name. Take the day to appreciate your Franklin and do fun activities together.

  3. Post about a Franklin

    Whether it’s someone in history or a celebrity, let people know about your love and appreciation for your Franklin. Post a photo of them on social media.

5 Unknown Facts About The Name Franklin

  1. So many greats

    There are so many great people with this name, first or last, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Franklin Pierce, Benjamin Franklin, and the N.A.S.A. astronauts Franklin Chang-Diaz and Franklin Story Musgrave.

  2. One Franklin tried to change the alphabets

    Tired of the spelling inconsistencies of the English language, Benjamin Franklin created six new letters in his “Scheme for a New Alphabet and a Reformed of Spelling” but his enterprise failed due to lack of interest.

  3. Another Franklin was the longest-serving president

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only president to serve more than two terms.

  4. An astride was named after a Franklin

    In 2014, N.A.S.A. honored the well-renowned singer, Aretha Franklin by naming an asteroid after her.

  5. It can be a girl’s name

    The best way to freshen up an old-fashioned way is by gender-bending it.

Why We Love National Franklin Day

  1. It honors our favorites

    This day is your day to honor the special Franklins in your life. Reflect on how they’ve inspired you.

  2. We can learn something

    This day can help you recall all the notable Franklins. Learn more about their influence on society and history.

  3. It’s a revival

    The name Franklin has been on the decline for the past few years. Letting others know about your favorite Franklin and how they’ve impacted the world can help revive this traditional name.

National Franklin Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 April 28 Friday
2024 April 28 Sunday
2025 April 28 Monday
2026 April 28 Tuesday
2027 April 28 Wednesday