Quimby first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Quimby has been for the last 1 years (from 2021 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Quimby

A variant of the surname Quimby, meaning "homestead by the coomb or valley".

Popularity of Quimby by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Quimby is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Quimby.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 0 6

The history of the first name Quimby

The given name Quimby has its origins in the English language, emerging during the late 18th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "cwic" meaning "alive" and "byrig" meaning "town or dwelling." The combination of these words suggests the name may have originally referred to a lively or thriving settlement.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Quimby can be found in the 1790 census records of Massachusetts, where a man named Quimby Pease is listed. However, the name gained broader recognition and popularity through the influential figure of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-1866), a pioneer in the field of mental healing and the founder of the New Thought movement.

Quimby's teachings on the power of the mind over bodily ailments greatly influenced the development of modern psychoanalysis and alternative medicine practices. His profound impact on these fields led to the name being associated with unconventional healing methods and spiritual philosophies.

Another notable bearer of the name was Harriet Eleanor Quimby (1875-1912), a pioneering American aviator who became the first woman to fly an aircraft across the English Channel in 1912. Her daring achievement and contribution to the early history of aviation have cemented her place in the annals of flight.

In the realm of literature, Quimby Melville (1856-1924), an American writer and editor, is remembered for his works exploring the lives of ordinary people in rural New England. His stories and novels, such as "The Shepherd of the Wold," provided a glimpse into the traditions and cultures of small-town America during the late 19th century.

The name Quimby also had a presence in the world of sports, with Quimby Melton (1900-1977), a professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams in the 1920s and 1930s. His career spanned over a decade, and he was known for his versatility as both an outfielder and pitcher.

While the name Quimby may have originated in a specific geographical region, its unique sound and associations with influential figures in various fields have given it a broader cultural significance throughout history.

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 Quimby was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Quimby first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 18, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/quimby-meaning-and-history/.

"Quimby first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/quimby-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 18 May, 2025

Quimby first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/quimby-meaning-and-history/.

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