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Quinlan

♂ Boy

Quinlan Pronunciation

Quinlan is pronounced KWIN-lən /ˈkwɪn.lən/High

Meaning: From Irish Ó Caoindealbháin, 'descendant of Caoindealbhán' — linked to 'gracefully shaped, well-formed, strong'Medium

In 30 seconds: Gracefully strong and well-formed: Quinlan is an Irish surname with a poetic root — and a built-in Quinn. Handsome, Celtic, and substantial, with crisp modern surname-cool.

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningFrom Irish Ó Caoindealbháin, 'descendant of Caoindealbhán' — linked to 'gracefully shaped, well-formed, strong'

U.S. rank (2024)#3659 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,532

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Quinlan comes from Irish Ó Caoindealbháin, 'descendant of Caoindealbhán' — from caoin, 'gentle, graceful', and dealbh, 'form, shape' — 'gracefully shaped, well-formed, strong'. A handsome Irish surname-name with the bonus nickname Quinn.

In the U.S. it appears in Irish-heritage and surname-loving families. Rare, gracefully-formed at the root, and Celtic-handsome.

Did you know? Quinlan's Irish root caoin means 'gentle, graceful' and dealbh 'form, shape' — so the name describes someone gracefully and well-formed, with the popular Quinn tucked inside.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Quinlan — etymology

Variations

QuinlinQuinlyn

Nicknames

QuinnQuin

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Quinlan…

Quinn— the nickname within it

Donovan— another handsome Irish name

Callan— lands in the same popularity range

Kiernan— lands in the same popularity range

Brogan— shares the -an ending

→ See all names like Quinlan

Browse the whole category: All Irish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Quinlan?

Quinlan is pronounced KWIN-lən (/ˈkwɪn.lən/). Press play above to hear Quinlan said aloud.

How do you say Quinlan?

Quinlan is said KWIN-lən (/ˈkwɪn.lən/). Press play above to hear Quinlan said aloud.

What does the name Quinlan mean?

Quinlan is Irish, 'descendant of Caoindealbhán', linked to 'gracefully shaped, well-formed, strong'.

Is Quinlan a boy or girl name?

Quinlan is mainly a boy's name.

How popular is Quinlan?

Quinlan is a rare name in the U.S.