‘Francesco’ Now Italy’s Most Popular Baby Name
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Franco Origlia/Getty Images(ROME) — There’s a new name topping the most popular baby name’s list in Italy, following the recent election of the new pope.
The popular Pope Francis, or Papa Francesco, as he’s called in Italian, inspired many parents in the name choosing process and igniting a “Francesco” baby-naming craze.
It’s being dubbed “The Francis Effect” in Italy, though the name was already popular due to St. Francis of Assisi, the pope’s namesake. Italian towns, streets and parks have also been renamed.
The pope was elected on March 13, spurring the increased popularity in name.
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