English
Franklin
Franklin comes from Middle English frankelein ‘freeholder’.
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500frankelein‘freeholder’
- Englishearliest quotation 2008Franklin
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500frankelein‘freeholder’
- Englishearliest quotation 2008Franklin
Earliest quotation: 2008, Rick Perlstein: “Nixon beat a Franklin for student body president. [He…”
The story
The place names are mostly named after American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790).
Every English word from Middle English frankelein
Today it means
name A surname transferred from the nickname.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Middle English frankelein / Franklin