Quigley is an uncommon given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Guasa, which means "descendant of Guss," a personal name believed to mean "spirit or vigor." The name was originally used as a surname before becoming more popular as a given name in recent years.
The Ó Guisear family were an important sept of the ancient O'Rourke clan, who were the traditional rulers of County Leitrim in Ireland. They were known for their bravery and military prowess, and the name Quigley has come to be associated with these qualities.
Today, Quigley is still a relatively rare given name, but it has been used by several notable figures throughout history. For example, the American basketball player Michael Quigley played in the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, and the Irish politician Martin Quigley served as a member of the Seanad Éireann from 1965 to 1973.
Overall, Quigley is an uncommon but distinctive given name with Irish origins and a history tied to the ancient O'Rourke clan. Its meaning, "descendant of Guss," reflects the spirit and vigor associated with this family and their legacy.
The name Quigley has seen a steady rise in popularity over the past few years in the United States. According to recent data, there were 5 babies named Quigley born in 2016, but this number increased to 6 births in just seven years, reaching its peak in 2023. This positive trend indicates that more parents are choosing this unique name for their children, with a total of 11 babies named Quigley being born over these two years combined.