Frances is the English feminine of Francis — from the Late Latin Franciscus, meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) gave the masculine name worldwide currency; Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440) the feminine.
Frances was hugely popular in the early 20th century — peaking at #6 in 1916. After a long decline it is returning. Today it sits in the U.S. top 500. Pope Francis has revived attention to Saint Francis's traditions.
Frances reduces to five — the number of free wandering spirit.