Also Known as Franji in Arabic Sources
The Franks were one of the original Germanic tribes that established themselves primarily in the areas of modern France and Franconia in Germany. The word Frank meant free in the Frankish language. The two major Frankish dynasties were the Merovingian and Carolingian.
Of course the influence and dominance of the Franks throughout the middle ages in the development of Latin Christendom was extensive. Yet the primary significance of the term for the crusading period is that it was the common word used by Arabic writers to describe crusaders of all western geographic and ethnic backgrounds.
Dr. Edward Peters has written, "Firanj (“Franks”) is the generic Arabic term for both Franks and most European foreigners. It was long used for the inhabitants of Carolingian Europe. The Byzantines, who were more interesting long-lasting, and dangerous enemies, were the Rumi (“Romans”). Muslim writers first applied the term Firanj to the Crusaders in the later twelfth century, when they realized that the Crusaders were quite different from the Byzantine invaders." Click here for the full article by Dr. Peters.