Franklin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Franklin family name dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name comes from when an early member worked as a landowner who was not a member of the nobility. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old French word fraunclein, which became frankeleyn in Old English, and denoted rank within the feudal system; a person "superior freeholder," next below gentlemen in dignity, now called country Squires. Moreover England is so filled and replenished with landed menne, that therein the smallest thorpe can not be found wherin dwelleth not a knight or an esquire, or such a householder as is there commonly called a Franklin, enriched with great possessions, and also other freeholders, and many yeomen, able for their livelyhood to make a jury in form aforementioned." 1

Chaucer mentions in his famous Canterbury Tales:

"A Franklin was in this companie,

White was his beard, as is the dayesie."

Early Origins of the Franklin family

The surname Franklin was first found in "Oxfordshire has been for ages one of the principal homes of the Franklins. The name, which in early times, as well as in those of Shakespeare, often signified a freeholder, is also established in Bucks, Berks, Beds, Herts, Essex, and Northamptonshire, so that it may be said to occupy a somewhat circumscribed and continuous area. In the 13th century its usual forms were Frankelayn, Frankeleyn, Fraunkelayn, Fraunkeleyn, sometimes preceded by "Le" and "De," Frankelin being rare; it was then especially numerous in Oxfordshire, and also in fair numbers in Bucks and Wilts, so that it would appear that in those early times, as in our own day, Oxfordshire and Bucks stood foremost amongst the English counties for their proportion of the Franklins." 2

Early rolls underline the wide spellings in use through the ages: Ralph Frankelem was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1195; Luke le Franckeleyn in the Feet of Fines for Cambridgeshire in 1234; Roger le Franklyn in the Hundredorum Rolls for Dorset in 1274; and John ffranklyng was recorded in 1522. 3

The famed Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was the son of Josiah Franklin Sr. (1657-1745), an English businessman from Ecton, Northamptonshire. Josiah emigrated to the American colonies in 1682 and married twice, having 17 children. Benjamin was Josiah Franklin's fifteenth child.

Early History of the Franklin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Franklin research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1195, 1234, 1274, 1480, 1556, 1625, 1630, 1640, 1647, 1655, 1656, 1660, 1661, 1679, 1684, 1685, 1695, 1697, 1698, 1728 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Franklin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Franklin Spelling Variations

Franklin has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Franklin have been found, including Franklyn, Francklyn, Francklin, Franklin, Franklind and many more.

Early Notables of the Franklin family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Robert Franklin (1630-1684), an English nonconformist divine
Sir Richard Franklin, 1st Baronet (1630-1685), an English landowner and politician, Member of Parliament for Hertfordshire (1661-1679)

Franklin World Ranking

In the United States, the name Franklin is the 199^th most popular surname with an estimated 126,837 people with that name. 4 However, in Australia, the name Franklin is ranked the 453^rd most popular surname with an estimated 8,341 people with that name. 5 And in New Zealand, the name Franklin is the 458^th popular surname with an estimated 1,506 people with that name. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Franklin as 431^st with 14,920 people. 7

Migration of the Franklin family to Ireland

Some of the Franklin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Franklin migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Franklins to arrive on North American shores:

Franklin Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Josiah Franklin, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1630
Henry Franklin, who arrived in Virginia in 1634 8
William Franklin, who landed in New England in 1634 aboard the ship "Mary & John" 8
Henry Franklin who settled in Virginia in 1635
John Franklin, who settled in Virginia in 1651
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Franklin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Cesar Franklin, who arrived in Maryland in 1740 8

Franklin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Franklin, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1808 8
Joseph Franklin, aged 25, who landed in New York in 1812 8
George Franklin, who arrived in Mississippi in 1830 8
Edward Franklin, who arrived in New York in 1832 8
D Franklin, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Franklin migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Franklin Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Thomas Franklin, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mr. Joseph Franklin Sr., U.E. who settled in Carleton [Saint John City], New Brunswick c. 1782, then resettled in Kingston, New Brunswick 9
Mr. Jacob Franklin U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway [Shelburne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 469 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York 9
Mr. Joseph Franklin Jr., U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 son or Joseph Franklin Sr. 9

Franklin Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Bildad Franklin, who landed in Canada in 1836

Franklin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Franklin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Mary Franklin, (b. 1783), aged 17, British Convict who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1831 10
Mr. Thomas Franklin, British Convict who was convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. James Franklin, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Mr. John Franklin, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Thomas Franklin, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Franklin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Franklin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Sarah Ann Franklin, aged 17, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1842
Maria Emily Franklin, aged 15, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Lloyds" in 1842
Robert F. Franklin, aged 28, a baker, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" in 1842
Elizabeth Franklin, aged 19, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" in 1842
Elizabeth Franklin, aged 17, a servant, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Stately" in 1851
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Franklin migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 14

Franklin Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Jonathan Franklin, aged 17, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 8
Mr. Jonathan Franklin, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 15

Contemporary Notables of the name Franklin (post 1700) +

John Hope Franklin (1915-2009), American historian of the United States and former president of Phi Beta Kappa, the Organization of American Historians, the American Historical Association, and the Southern Historical Association, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Aretha Louise Franklin (1942-2018), American singer, songwriter, pianist and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), American statesman, scientist, philosopher, and publisher, the most well-known Founding Father of the United States
Sir John Franklin (1786-1847), British Arctic explorer, Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land from 1837 to 1843; he disappeared on his last expedition, attempting to chart and navigate the Northwest Passage 16
Ronald "Ron" Franklin (1942-2022), American sportscaster who was employed by ESPN from 1987 to 2011
Harold Alonza Franklin Sr. (1932-2021), American academic who became the first black student to attend Auburn University in 1964 after successfully suing the university for excluding him because of race
Lidija Franklin (1917-2019), American dancer and teacher of Latvian descent
Ron Franklin (1959-2018), American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey from Baltimore, Maryland who a the age of 19, rode rode Spectacular Bid to wins at the Kentucky Derby; he had 1,403 career wins
Christine Ladd- Franklin (1847-1903), American psychologist, logician, and mathematician, remembered principally for her theory of color vision and famous for her work at John Hopkins, but was not awarded her PhD because she was a woman
Kirk Dewayne Franklin (b. 1970), American eight-time Grammy Award winning gospel musician, choir director, and author
... (Another 16 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Franklin family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Edward William Franklin (1916-1941), Australian Leading Seaman from Macquarie Fields, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 17

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Alan Gordon Cornall Franklin, British Sub Lieutenant, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 18

HMS Repulse

Mr. Henry Stephen Franklin, British Stoker 1st Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 19

Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)

Stacie Denise Franklin (1968-1988), American Flight Attendant from San Diego, California, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 20

Prince of Wales colliery

Mr. Thomas Franklin (b. 1864), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 21

RMS Titanic

Mr. Alan Vincent Franklin (d. 1912), aged 29, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 22
Mr. Thomas Parnham Franklin (d. 1912), aged 37, English First Class passenger from London, England who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 22

Winter Quarters coal mine

Mr. Andrew Jackson Franklin (b. 1867), American mine worker from Price, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 23

The Franklin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pro rege et patria
Motto Translation: For King and country.

Citations +

Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Almorah voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1817 with 180 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/almorah/1817
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 30 June 2020
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Pan Am Flight 103's victims: A list of those killed 25 years ago | syracuse.com. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/pan_am_flight_103s_victims_a_list_of_those_killed_25_years_ago.html
Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
Miners killed in Winter Quarters (retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from http://www.carbon-utgenweb.com/miners.html