Francesca

Francesca is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is the Italian form of Francesco, which ultimately derives from the Latin Franciscus, meaning “Frenchman” and, in some interpretations, “a free man.” The name is common in Italy and among Italian communities around the world and has been adopted into other languages with varying spellings such as Francesca, Frances, or Franca.

In culture, Francesca is associated with Italian literature and romance. The figure Francesca da Rimini appears in Dante’s Divine Comedy as a woman who recounts her tragic love story, a motif that has influenced poetry, painting, and music. In modern times the name is used widely in fiction and film across languages.

Notable people named Francesca include Francesca Schiavone, an Italian former professional tennis player; Francesca Annis, a British actress; Francesca Eastwood, an American actress and producer; Francesca Woodman, an American photographer; Francesca Zappia, an American novelist; Francesca Battistelli, an American Christian musician; and Francesca Capaldi, an American actress. The name remains popular in Italian-speaking communities and among families worldwide.