Quinley is a unique and uncommon name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cuinn, which means "descendant of Conn." Conn was a legendary high king of Ireland who lived in the 2nd century AD. The name Quinley is believed to have been first used as a given name in the 19th century.
The meaning behind the name Quinley is "intelligent" or "wise," reflecting the wisdom and intelligence associated with King Conn. It is also sometimes interpreted as "fifth," as it was often used as a surname for the fifth son in Irish families who followed the tradition of naming their children after their fathers, with the fifth son being given his father's name.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Quinley or variations thereof. For instance, Quinlivan is an Irish surname that shares the same origin as Quinley, and it has been carried by many Irish families over the centuries. Today, while still relatively rare, Quinley is occasionally used as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries.
The name Quinley has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past two decades. Between 2004 and 2023, there were a total of 670 babies born with this unique moniker.
In terms of annual births, Quinley saw its first significant spike in popularity between 2010 and 2012, with birth numbers increasing from 17 to 33. This trend continued into the following years, reaching a peak of 70 births in 2021. Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with 63 births in 2022 and 50 in 2023, Quinley remains a popular choice among parents.
The steady increase in the number of Quinley births suggests that this name is gaining traction as a distinctive yet approachable option for parents looking to give their child an uncommon but memorable name. It's interesting to note that while Quinley is not yet one of the most popular names in the United States, its consistent growth over time indicates that it could become more widespread in future years.
In conclusion, the statistics surrounding the name Quinley demonstrate its growing popularity and enduring appeal among parents seeking a unique yet appealing option for their child's name. As time goes on, we can expect to see this charming moniker continue to appear on birth certificates across the United States.