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Quinn Unisex

Popularity: #96 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kwin //kwɪn//

Origin: Irish; Latin

Meaning: Irish: 'wisdom'; Latin: 'fifth'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Quinn has its origins in the Irish surname "Ó Cuinn," which means "descendant of Conn." The name Conn itself is derived from the Old Irish word "con," meaning "wisdom" or "intelligence." This etymological journey traces back to the Gaelic language, which has been spoken in Ireland since at least the 5th century. The surname was historically associated with various notable figures in Irish history, including several kings and warriors, which contributed to its prominence in Irish culture.

Throughout the centuries, the name Quinn transitioned from a surname to a given name, particularly gaining traction in the 20th century. It is often linked to the legendary figure of Conn of the Hundred Battles, a semi-mythical king of Ulster, who is celebrated in various Irish tales and folklore.

The name's association with nobility and strength has helped it endure in cultural memory. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and genealogies, further solidifying its significance in Irish heritage.

Culturally, Quinn has resonated within both Irish and broader Celtic traditions, often symbolizing intelligence and leadership. The name has also been embraced in various forms across different cultures, with variations appearing in other languages.

In some contexts, diminutive forms like "Quin" have emerged, though the full name remains the most recognized. The enduring legacy of Quinn reflects its deep roots in Irish history and its symbolic associations with wisdom and nobility.

Famous people named Quinn

Quinn Cummings is an actress and author best known for The Goodbye Girl, Family, and her role in the film The Last Starfighter.
Quinn Shephard is an actress and filmmaker best known for Blame, and her work in the film The Edge of Seventeen.
Quinn Sullivan is a musician and guitarist best known for his work with Buddy Guy and his albums such as Midnight Highway.

Fictional characters named Quinn

Quinn Fabray is a fictional character from the TV series Glee. She is a high school cheerleader who experiences significant personal growth throughout the series.
Quinn is a fictional character from the comic book series The Sandman. They are a member of the Endless, representing the concept of dreams and storytelling.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Quinn was first seen in the United States in 1948. Quinn has ranked as high as #182 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Quinn has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Quinn (2024)

State Births Share
CA 218
9%
TX 175
7%
NY 163
6%
OH 153
6%
PA 153
6%
IL 129
5%
FL 104
4%
MA 94
4%
MN 90
4%
NJ 89
3%
WI 81
3%
VA 77
3%
CO 77
3%
NC 73
3%
WA 70
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19485
19575
19607
196112
19626
196321
196414
196517
196624
196717
196822
196923
197022
197123
197212
197411
197516
197622
19778
197866
1979146
1980104
198197
1982141
198396
1984101
198580
198674
198782
198893
198978
199096
1991107
1992109
1993131
1994160
1995201
1996194
1997206
1998282
1999334
2000297
2001306
2002336
2003394
2004401
2005407
2006545
2007523
2008599
2009630
20101,279
20111,692
20122,110
20132,653
20142,554
20153,095
20163,648
20173,597
20183,388
20193,208
20203,078
20213,201
20223,102
20232,853
20242,689