Find out how popular the last name Quillens is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Quillens.

Quillens, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Quillens surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Quillens in America

Quillens is the 152628th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Quillens surname appeared 107 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Quillens.

The history of the last name Quillens

The surname Quillens is believed to have originated in the British Isles, specifically in England and Scotland. The name likely has roots in Old English and Old Norse languages, reflecting the linguistic influences of the Anglo-Saxon and Viking settlements in these regions.

One theory suggests that Quillens is derived from the Old English word "cwillen," meaning "to kill" or "to slay." This could indicate that the name may have been given to someone who worked as a soldier, warrior, or hunter. Alternatively, it may have been a descriptive nickname for someone with a fierce or aggressive personality.

Another possibility is that Quillens is a variant of the Old Norse name "Kvalin," which means "a tormented person" or "one who suffers." This could suggest that the name was initially given to someone who endured hardships or experienced significant struggles in their life.

The earliest recorded instances of the Quillens surname can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries in various historical records and documents from England and Scotland. Some notable examples include John Quillens, a landowner in Yorkshire, England, mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of 1273, and William Quillens, a merchant from Edinburgh, Scotland, who is referenced in the Exchequer Rolls of 1348.

In the 16th century, there are records of the Quillens family residing in the village of Quillinghurst, located in the county of Sussex, England. This place name may have influenced the spelling and pronunciation of the surname over time, leading to variations like Quillinghurst and Quillenhurst.

One notable figure in history with the surname Quillens was Sir Robert Quillens (1587-1663), an English politician and Member of Parliament for Hastings during the reign of Charles I. He played a significant role in the English Civil War and was a staunch supporter of the Royalist cause.

Another prominent individual was Margaret Quillens (1692-1768), a Scottish writer and poet who gained acclaim for her collections of poetry and essays. Her works often explored themes of nature, love, and the human experience.

In the 19th century, Thomas Quillens (1823-1901) was a renowned architect from Liverpool, England, known for his innovative designs and contributions to the city's architectural landscape. He was responsible for the construction of several notable buildings, including the Philharmonic Hall and the Lime Street Railway Station.

The Quillens surname has also been associated with various locations and place names throughout history. For instance, the village of Quillen in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is believed to have derived its name from the Quillens family who once resided in the area.

While the exact origins and meaning of the Quillens surname may remain debated, it has a rich history deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic traditions of the British Isles, spanning several centuries and numerous notable individuals who have carried this name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Quillens

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Quillens.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Quillens was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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