Quinn is a name of Irish origin and means "intelligence" or "wise". It is derived from the Irish word "cu," which means wisdom or intelligence. The name Quinn has been used in Ireland for centuries, but it only began to gain popularity as a given name in the United States during the 20th century.
The name Quinn was traditionally used as a surname and was often passed down through generations of Irish families. It is believed that the name originated from the ancient Irish clan Ui Chonchobhair, who were known for their intelligence and wisdom. The clan's name comes from the word "con," which means hound, and the personal name Conchobhair.
Over time, the name Quinn has become more popular as a given name for boys and girls alike. In recent years, it has been used more frequently in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite its growing popularity, Quinn remains a unique and distinctive name that evokes images of intelligence, wisdom, and Irish heritage.
In literature and popular culture, the name Quinn has been used for several notable characters, including the protagonist of the novel "Quinn's Book" by Iris Murdoch and the main character in the video game series "Quake." These uses have helped to further popularize the name and make it more widely recognized. However, despite its increasing popularity, Quinn remains a name with deep roots in Irish history and culture, making it a timeless choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
The name Quinn has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States, with a total of 35,705 babies named Quinn born since 1915.
In the early 20th century, the number of births per year fluctuated between single digits, with a peak of 20 births in 1921. However, beginning in the mid-1940s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Quinn, with over 20 births occurring each year from 1946 onwards.
The decade of the 1950s marked a significant turning point for the name Quinn, as the number of births per year began to exceed 30. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with over 100 babies named Quinn born each year from 1963 onwards.
The 1980s saw a further rise in popularity for the name Quinn, with over 200 births occurring annually. This trend reached its peak in the mid-1990s, with over 700 babies named Quinn born each year between 1994 and 1996.
Although the number of births has since declined from this peak, the name Quinn remains popular today. Between 2015 and 2023, an average of around 700 babies were named Quinn each year in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate a consistent rise in popularity for the name Quinn over the past century. Despite fluctuations in yearly birth numbers, the name has maintained a steady level of popularity among parents in the United States.