The term "Frankish" refers to the culture, language, and people associated with the Franks, a group of Germanic tribes that settled in what is now France and parts of Germany during the early Middle Ages. The Franks played a significant role in the formation of medieval European society, particularly under the leadership of figures like Charlemagne, who united much of Western Europe. The Frankish language, a dialect of Old High German, was spoken by the Franks and influenced the development of the Old French language. The Frankish Kingdom eventually evolved into the Carolingian Empire, which laid the groundwork for modern European nations and contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout the region.