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Quillen
Pronounced KWIL-un /ˈkwɪl.ən/High
Meaning: From the Irish surname O Cuilinn (anglicized Quillen, Cullen, Quillan), usually connected with cuileann, 'holly.' So 'descendant of Cuileann' — the holly being a hardy, evergreen tree. An established Irish family name.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Quillen anglicizes the Irish surname O Cuilinn, usually connected with cuileann, 'holly.' The same root gives Cullen and Quillan. Irish surnames often turned into American first names a generation or two after immigration, and Quillen is now finding that second life — crisp, Celtic and uncommon. The precise reading is debated, which we note (said 'KWIL-un').
In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, Irish, and crisp.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Quillen mean?
Quillen is an Irish surname from O Cuilinn, generally connected with cuileann, 'holly.'
How do you pronounce Quillen?
It's said KWIL-un /ˈkwɪl.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Quillen a boy or girl name?
Quillen is used as a boy's name.
How popular is Quillen?
Quillen is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.