Quinlan is a unique and distinctive Irish surname that has gained popularity as a given name in recent years. The name originates from the Gaelic word "Coinligh" or "Cuinle," which means "strong willed" or "fifth born." It was originally used to describe someone who had these qualities or was born fifth among siblings.
The Quinlan surname is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century. Over time, it became a common Irish surname and can be found throughout the country today. Some of the most notable figures with the Quinlan surname include John Quinlan, an American actor known for his role in the television series "NYPD Blue," and Catherine Quinlan, an Australian actress who has appeared in various films and television shows.
As a given name, Quinlan has only recently begun to gain popularity. It is considered unisex, although it may be more commonly used as a boys' name. Despite its recent rise in popularity, Quinlan remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a name that is not too common but still has an attractive sound and meaning.
Overall, the Irish surname Quinlan, with its strong willed meaning and unique sound, makes for a compelling given name choice for both boys and girls. Its origins and history add depth to the name, making it an appealing option for parents who want their child's name to have significance and character.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe an interesting trend regarding the number of births given the name Quinlan in the United States over a span of several years.
From 1988 to 2002, there was a gradual increase in the annual number of births with the name Quinlan. Starting from just five births in 1988, this figure rose consistently until it reached twenty-six births in both 2001 and 2002.
From 2003 onwards, there was some fluctuation in these numbers but they generally remained relatively high. The peak occurred in 2010 with forty-eight births that year. This marked a significant increase compared to the preceding years, indicating a notable rise in popularity for this name during this period.
However, after this peak, we saw a decrease in the number of births named Quinlan, reaching a low point of twelve births in 2022. Despite this decline from its peak, it's still higher than the numbers seen before 2003, suggesting that Quinlan remains a name with some level of popularity today.
In total, over these years, there were 705 births named Quinlan in the United States. This figure reflects a certain degree of consistency and popularity for this name among parents during this timeframe.