Find out how popular the first name Quillen has been for the last 24 years (from 2001 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Quillen by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Quillen is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Quillen.

The history of the first name Quillen

The given name Quillen has its roots in the ancient Celtic culture, originating from the Brittonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken in what is now Great Britain and parts of northwestern France. The name is believed to have derived from the proto-Celtic word "quillio," which meant "to strike" or "to beat," possibly referring to a warrior or a skilled craftsman.

In its earliest forms, the name was spelled as "Quillian" or "Quillien" and was primarily used by the ancient Britons who inhabited the region known as Britannia during the Roman occupation. Some historical records suggest that the name may have been mentioned in ancient bardic tales and folklore, although specific references are scarce.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name Quillen can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The record lists a landowner named Quillien in the county of Somerset, England.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, the name Quillen gained popularity among various noble families and landowners across Britain and parts of continental Europe. Notable historical figures who bore the name include:

1. Sir Quillen de Montfort (1235-1301), a Norman knight and military commander who fought in the Crusades and the Wars of Scottish Independence.

2. Quillen FitzRobert (1290-1348), an English nobleman and landowner from Gloucestershire, known for his involvement in the Hundred Years' War.

3. Quillen de Vere (1420-1492), a Flemish painter and illuminator renowned for his intricate manuscript illustrations commissioned by the Dukes of Burgundy.

4. Quillen Ap Rhys (1520-1585), a Welsh scholar and poet who contributed significantly to the preservation of Welsh literature and bardic traditions.

5. Quillen Macquarrie (1640-1707), a Scottish Jacobite soldier and member of the Clan Macquarrie, who fought in the Battle of Killiecrankie during the Jacobite Rising.

While the name Quillen has become relatively uncommon in modern times, it still holds historical significance and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic peoples who once inhabited the British Isles and parts of continental Europe.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Quillen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Quillen, please contact us.

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