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Quincy

♂ Boy

Pronounced KWIN-see /ˈkwɪn.si/High

Meaning: From a French surname derived from a place name meaning estate of Quintus (the fifth), from Latin quintus meaning fifth; introduced to England with the Normans and used as a given name in America from colonial timesHigh

In 30 seconds: A distinguished Norman-rooted name meaning fifth estate, Quincy carries American presidential heritage (John Adams' middle name), the musical genius of Quincy Jones, and a confident -cy ending.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin, English
MeaningFrom a French surname derived from a place name meaning estate of Quintus (the fifth), from Latin quintus meaning fifth; introduced to England with the Normans and used as a given name in America from colonial times
U.S. rank (2025)#654 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births422 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1977
Total births (all-time)≈ 27,771

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Quincy derives from the Norman French place name de Quincy, indicating origin from a place meaning estate of Quintus, from Latin quintus (fifth). The name entered England with the Normans after 1066 and was borne by several English earls. In colonial America the Quincy family was prominent in Massachusetts, and the city of Quincy, Massachusetts was named after them.

As a given name, Quincy has been used in American families since colonial times, particularly as an honor name for the Quincy and Adams families. In the 20th century musician and producer Quincy Jones kept the name in public consciousness. Today Quincy is a top-300 boys' name in the United States with a confident, slightly preppy sound.

Did you know? Both President John Adams and his son President John Quincy Adams bore this name — John Quincy Adams (1767–1848) was named after his great-grandmother's family, the Quincy family of Massachusetts.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Quincy — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

QuinceyKwincey

Nicknames

Quinn

Famous Bearers

  • ★Quincy Jones (1933–2024)
    American record producer, musician, and composer.
  • ★John Quincy Adams (1767–1848)
    6th President of the United States.

If you like Quincy…

Quinn— shares the Qu- opening and the same confident Celtic-American energy
Grady— fellow surname-turned-given-name with Irish roots and the same easygoing charm
Phineas— shares the distinguished, slightly quirky vintage American quality
Percy— another -cy name with old aristocratic roots and the same gently distinguished feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Quincy mean?

Quincy comes from a Norman French place name meaning estate of Quintus, from Latin quintus meaning fifth.

How do you pronounce Quincy?

It is said KWIN-see /ˈkwɪn.si/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Quincy a presidential name?

Yes — John Quincy Adams, the 6th U.S. President, was named after the Quincy family of Massachusetts, giving the name a presidential heritage.

Is Quincy a popular name?

Quincy is a top-300 boys' name in the United States with a confident, distinguished sound.