Quinn: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Quinn mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Irish: Descendant of Conn
Scottish: Wise
Gaelic: Counsel, wisdom
Latin: A girl who is as pretty as two; essence

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Quinn is pronounced kwin

The name Quinn has origins in both Irish and Scottish cultures. In Irish, it means "descendant of Conn" and has historical roots as a significant surname. It is the English variation of Irish patronymic surname Ó Cuinn, meaning “descendent of Conn.” Conn has two possible derivations: the Old Irish cond (intellect) or cenn (chief). In Scottish Gaelic, Quinn is associated with wisdom. Its straightforward pronunciation and unisex appeal have made it a popular and modern choice for parents.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Quinn mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Irish: Leader of the hounds; fifth son's estate
Scottish: Chief
Gaelic: Counsel, wisdom
Latin: Essence

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Quinn is pronounced kwin

For a boy, the name Quinn holds significant meaning in both Irish and Scottish cultures. In Irish, it translates to "leader of the hounds," a reference to nobility and leadership. In Scottish culture, Quinn denotes a "chief," underscoring a sense of authority and respect. This dual heritage, combined with its strong and simple one-syllable pronunciation, makes Quinn a compelling option for boys.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish: reduced Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Coinn "descendant of Conn" (see O’Quinn). This is the name of several families in Ulster and counties Clare, Longford, and Mayo.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Tabitha Soren

Sharon Stone

Quinn in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Quinn Fabray from Glee - A prominent character who is a cheerleader and member of the glee club.
Harley Quinn from DC Comics - A notorious villainess who is the Joker’s sidekick and lover.
Quinn Mallory from Sliders - The main protagonist, a genius who discovers how to travel between parallel universes.
Dr. Michaela Quinn from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman - A physician in the post-Civil War American West.
Quinn Pensky from Zoey 101 - A quirky and highly intelligent student who loves science and inventing.

Popularity of the Name Quinn

According to Social Security Administration data, Quinn has been a steadily popular name in recent years. As of 2024, Quinn ranks within the top 100 names in the U.S., reflecting a growing preference among parents for this gender-neutral name. Historically, Quinn is derived from the Irish surname Ó Cuinn, meaning "descendant of Conn," which translates to "chief" or "wise."

Notable people with the name Quinn include actress Quinn Shephard and director Quinn Martin, as well as Quinn Allman, Quinn Bailey, Quinn Cook, and Quinn Nordin. In the realm of fiction, the name Quinn appears in various media titles such as the character Quinn Fabray from the TV series Glee, and Harley Quinn from the DC Comics universe. The versatility and modern appeal of the name Quinn continue to make it a favorite choice.