Find out how popular the first name Quinn has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Quinn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Quinn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 58% of people named Quinn being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,846 female babies and 685 male babies born with the name Quinn.

The history of the first name Quinn

The given name Quinn is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Cuinn, which means "descendant of Conn." Conn was a legendary king of Ireland in the 2nd century AD. The name Conn is derived from the Old Irish word "cond," meaning "reason" or "sense."

The name Quinn first gained popularity in medieval Ireland, where it was used as a surname for those descended from the legendary King Conn. However, its usage as a first name did not become widespread until the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Quinn as a first name dates back to the late 16th century, when an Irish chieftain named Quinn O'Daly was documented in historical records. In the 17th century, an Irish Catholic priest named Quinn MacCaghwell gained recognition for his efforts in preserving Irish language and culture during the Penal Laws.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Quinn. In the 19th century, Quinn Blackburn (1822-1865) was an American Civil War veteran and lawyer. In the early 20th century, Quinn Martin (1915-1987) was an American television producer and writer, best known for creating popular shows like The Fugitive and The FBI.

Other notable Quinns include Quinn Buckner (born 1954), an American basketball player and Olympic gold medalist; Quinn Cummings (born 1967), an American actress and author; and Quinn Ewers (born 2003), a highly-touted American football prospect.

The name Quinn has also been associated with several literary and artistic figures. For instance, the American writer Quinn Eli (born 1954) is known for his novels and short stories. In the world of music, Quinn Sullivan (born 1999) is a blues guitarist and singer who gained recognition at a young age.

While the name Quinn has its roots in Irish history and culture, it has transcended its origins and gained popularity across various cultures and regions, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its strong association with notable individuals from different fields has contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

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

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

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