The given name Queen has its origins in English, derived from the word "queen" which itself traces back to the Old English "cwen". This word is of Germanic origin, related to the Old Norse "kvan" and the Gothic "qens". The root likely meant "woman" or "wife" in Proto-Germanic.

The name Queen gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly after the rise of powerful female rulers in England and other European monarchies. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1122-1204), one of the most influential figures of the High Middle Ages.

In the 16th century, the name became closely associated with Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), the last Tudor monarch of England and one of the most celebrated rulers in British history. Her reign ushered in a golden age of literature, exploration, and cultural achievements.

Another notable bearer of the name was Queen Anne (1665-1714), the last monarch of the House of Stuart, whose reign saw the Acts of Union in 1707 that united the kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Moving into the 19th century, Queen Victoria (1819-1901) stands out as one of the most famous bearers of the name. Her reign as Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India spanned over six decades, a period known as the Victorian era, which saw the British Empire reach its greatest territorial extent.

In the realm of literature, one cannot overlook Queen Mab, a fairy queen character mentioned in several works by William Shakespeare and other writers of the Renaissance era. Her name became a popular literary reference and has been used as a title for various creative works over the centuries.

While the name Queen has been used primarily in the context of royalty and nobility, it has also been adopted as a given name in its own right, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its regal connotations and associations with power and authority have made it a distinctive and evocative choice for many parents throughout history.