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The term Frank in eastern Mediterranean countries was used, in various vernacular forms, to denote the Crusaders and their descendants, and the American surname may also be an Americanized form of such a form.English, Dutch, German, etc.: from the personal name Frank, in origin an ethnic name for a Frank.
When the Franks moved to Gaul in the fourth century, the country was named France and the tribal name Frank came to mean Frenchman or free. Used as an independent name since the 17th century. Now also used as a short form of Francis or Franklin.Frankie is occasionally used for girls.hen the Franks moved to Gaul in the fourth century, the country was named France and the tribal name Frank came to mean Frenchman or free. Used as an independent name since the 17th century. Now also used as a short form of Francis or Franklin.