Francesca

The name Francesca is a girl's name of Italian origin meaning "from France or free man". Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents. Francesca made an appearance in Dante's Inferno and then, centuries later, in the best-selling novel The Bridges of Madison County, played on screen by Meryl Streep and co-starring Clint Eastwood, who went on to name his daughter Francesca. Other dads of Francescas include Martin Scorsese, Erik Estrada, Jason Bateman and (stepdad) Ringo Starr. Francesca is also having a big renaissance in Italy, its country of origin.