Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Quaid

Quaid

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Quaid

Pronounced KWAYD /ˈkweɪd/High

Meaning: From the Irish surname McQuaid (Mac Uaid) — 'son of Uaid', the Irish form of Walter, 'ruler of the army' (Germanic wald, 'rule', plus heri, 'army'); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Ruler of the army: Quaid is the Irish McQuaid — 'son of Walter (ruler of the army)'. Crisp, bold, and warm (said 'KWAYD').
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowIrish, German
MeaningFrom the Irish surname McQuaid (Mac Uaid) — 'son of Uaid', the Irish form of Walter, 'ruler of the army' (Germanic wald, 'rule', plus heri, 'army'); routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#6086 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 894

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201619712024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Quaid comes from the Irish surname McQuaid (Mac Uaid) — 'son of Uaid', Uaid being the Irish form of Walter, from Germanic wald, 'rule, power', plus heri, 'army' — 'ruler of the army' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, bold surname-name (the actors Dennis and Randy Quaid; nickname Quaid).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, ruler-of-the-army at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Quaid comes from the Irish McQuaid (Mac Uaid), 'son of Uaid' — the Irish form of Walter, 'ruler of the army' (Germanic wald, 'rule', plus heri, 'army') — a crisp, bold surname-name (the actors Dennis and Randy Quaid; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KWAYD').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Quaid — routes layered

Variations

McQuaidQuaideQuade

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Quaid…

Quade— a fellow spelling
Quinn— a kin Q- Irish surname boys' name
Quinton— a companion Q- boys' name
Reid— a sound-neighbor short surname boys' name

Explore names like Quaid

By themeuncertainsurname-nameirishgerman
By meaningWarriorRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Quaid mean?

Quaid is the Irish McQuaid — 'son of Walter (ruler of the army)'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Quaid?

It's said KWAYD /ˈkweɪd/ — one syllable.

Is Quaid a boy or girl name?

Quaid is a boy's name.

How popular is Quaid?

Quaid is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia