Franca History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy
Spain

The distinguished surname Franca comes from Spain, a country rich in culture and history. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Spain were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Spanish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is "ez." The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. Some names are derived from the saints of the Christian Church, but many Spanish surnames are derived from personal names of Germanic origin. The Visigoths, who ruled Spain between the mid-5th and early 8th centuries had a profound impact on the development of surnames.

Early Origins of the Franca family

The surname Franca was first found in Castile, in northern Spain.

Early History of the Franca family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Franca research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1175 is included under the topic Early Franca History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Franca Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Franco, Francos, Franca, Francés, Frances and many more.

Early Notables of the Franca family

More information is included under the topic Early Franca Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Franca family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Alonso Franco, who sailed to America in 1528; Enrique Franco, to America in 1527; Juan Franco, to Rio de la Plata in 1535; Francisco Franco Navarro, to Cartagena in 1535.

Contemporary Notables of the name Franca (post 1700) +

Franca Capetta (1936-2023), Italian archer at the 1976 and the 1980 Summer Olympic Games
Franca Maria Norsa (1920-2020), known professionally as Franca Valeri, an Italian actress, playwright, screenwriter, author, and theatre director
Franca Dominici (1907-1999), Italian actress
Franca Valeri (b. 1920), born Alma Franca Maria Norsa, an Italian actress
Franca Arena (b. 1939), Australian politician and activist
Franca Raimondi (1932-1988), Italian singer