The name Quinn began as a Scottish/Irish surname in Ireland, coming from O’Cuinn, meaning “descendent of Conn.” (Conn comes from the Irish word ceann, meaning “head,” chief leader, intelligence.) In Latin, the single syllable name means “a girl who is as pretty as two” and “essence.”

Quinn is one of the first Irish unisex names on the rise for both genders, though there are now far more girl Quinns than boys. If you have a baby boy or girl on the way, Quinn just might be a win for your family.

The name Quinn experienced its first sharp rise in popularity between 1997 and 1999, and has been climbing ever since. It’s remained in the top 100 names for females since 2015 and is holding strong. 

  • Origin: Irish, Celtic, Gaelic, LatinGender: Quinn is considered a gender-neutral name, traditionally meaning “head” and “wise.“Pronunciation: KWIN

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Verywell Family believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.

Quinn is the 80th most popular female name in the U.S., according to 2021 Social Security Administration data. The latest statistics rank the name Quinn as the No. 405th most popular name for males in America.

Name Variations

The following are variations of the name of Quinn:

  • Gwen (Welsh)Kwen (Celtic)Quin (Irish)Quinella (Latin)Quinna (Irish)Quinne (Irish)Quintessa (Latin)Quynn (Irish)

Similar Names

Similar sounding names to Quinn:

  • AveryConnellEverlyDeclanFinnHarperPiperRowanTuckerWren

Other names starting with Q:

  • QuadeQuentin QuincyQuintaQuintanaQuintinaQuilenQuilla

Common Nicknames

Quinn may be a short and sophisticated name, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t playful and even regal nicknames for the moniker including:

  • QQuinnyQueen

Suggested Sibling Names

Looking for a sibling name for Quinn? Here are some popular options:

  • CillianConnorLiamRoryCassidyFionaMckennaSaoirse

Famous People Named Quinn

Notable people named Quinn include actors, artists, and athletes. The name and its variations have also popped up on the big and small screens.

  • Quinn L. Cummings, American actress who played Lucy McFadden in Neil Simon’s “The Goodbye Girl,” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting ActressQuinn Culkin, American actress who appeared in “Home Alone,” alongside her brother, Macaulay CulkinQuinn Buckner, American former professional basketball player and coachQuinn Martin (1922-1987), was an American television producer, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1997

Fictional Quinns

Popular fictional Quinns include:

  • Quinn Fabray, played by Dianna Argon in the Fox television series, “Glee” (2009-2015)Dr. Michaela Quinn, played by Jane Seymore in the CBS television series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” (1993-1998)Peter Quinn (best known as simply “Quinn”), played by Rupert Friend in the Showtime political thriller series “Homeland,” for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination (2011-2020)

More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:

  • Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names
  • 100 Gender-Neutral Baby Names
  • 275 Popular Baby Names for Twins