franco

Franco is a surname of Italian and Spanish origin. It is also used as a given name, particularly in Italian where Franco is a short form of Francesco. As a surname, Franco is found across the Spanish-speaking world and in Italy and their diasporas, and it has been borne by numerous figures in politics, arts, and sports.

Francisco Franco Bahamonde (1892–1975) was a Spanish general who led Nationalist forces to victory in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and ruled Spain as dictator from 1939 until his death in 1975. The Franco regime suppressed political pluralism, curtailed civil liberties, and maintained censorship and repression, while maintaining a corporatist state and nationalist ideology. Economic policy shifted over time, with autarkic measures early on and liberalization later.

Following Franco's death, Spain underwent a transition to democracy, culminating in the 1978 constitution and the consolidation of democratic rule under King Juan Carlos I. The period remains controversial, with debates over the regime's legacy, regional autonomy, and human rights.

Notable people with the name include the American actors James Franco (born 1978) and Dave Franco (born 1987).