Franz m
German form of FRANCESCO (SEE Francesco). This name was introduced to the Habsburg family in 1736, when Franz, François, or Francesco, Duke of Lorraine and Grand Duke of Tuscany (1708–65), married Maria Theresa of Austria. In 1740, he became Holy Roman Emperor jointly with her. The name was also borne by the Emperor Franz Josef (reigned 1848–1916) and his great-nephew the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked off the First World War. The name is still popular in German-speaking countries, especially among Roman Catholics.
Feminine form: Franziska (rare).
First names dictionary. 2012.