"fifth, born fifth"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Quentin
Pronunciation: [ kw-EHNT-ihn ]
Does Quentin flow with your last name?
A Roman classic with cinematic cool
French
English
American
Classic
Literary
Sophisticated
Strong
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the fifth-born child"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
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The Story of Quentin
Quentin derives from the Latin 'Quintinus', meaning 'fifth'. It was a name originally given to the fifth child or born in the fifth month. Saint Quentin (Quinctianus) was a 3rd-century Roman Christian martyr executed in northern Gaul, whose shrine became the French city Saint-Quentin. The name spread through medieval Europe via his veneration.
Quentin enjoyed steady popularity in France and English-speaking countries throughout the 20th century. Director Quentin Tarantino gave the name a cool, creative association from the 1990s onward, particularly appealing to film-savvy parents. The name has maintained respectable rankings without ever becoming overly trendy.
In France, Saint-Quentin is a major city named for the 3rd-century martyr. The name carries scholarly and artistic associations through philosopher Quentin Skinner and director Quentin Tarantino. William Faulkner's tragic character Quentin Compson in The Sound and the Fury gave the name literary weight.
Historical Record
Quentin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 38,527 babies have been named Quentin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Quentin is past its peak , currently ranked #789 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The city of Saint-Quentin in northern France is named after the 3rd-century martyr Quintinus
- Quentin Tarantino has cited his unusual name as something that made him feel distinctive growing up
- Quentin Compson is one of William Faulkner's most complex literary characters, appearing in multiple Yoknapatawpha novels
Quentin in Other Languages
French
Quentin
German
Quentin
Italian
Quintino
Spanish
Quintín
Portuguese
Quintino
Popularity Over Time
#789
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1998
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Quentin
Q
Quentin Tarantino
Entertainer
1963
Acclaimed American filmmaker known for Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglourious Basterds
Q
Quentin Blake
Artist
1932
British cartoonist and illustrator, best known for illustrating Roald Dahl's books
Q
Quentin Compson Fictional
Other
Tragic protagonist in William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, a Harvard student haunted by Southern decline
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #789
- Total SSA Count
- 318
- Cultural Origins
- French English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Quen
Quinn
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Quentin
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Quentin is also used as a girl name, ranked #37719.
View Quentin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (French)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Quentin
What does the name Quentin mean?
"fifth, born fifth" (from Latin). "the fifth-born child" (from Old French). Quentin derives from the Latin 'Quintinus', meaning 'fifth'. It was a name originally given to the fifth child or born in the fifth month. Saint Quentin (Quinctianus) was a 3rd-century Roman Christian martyr executed in northern Gaul, whose shrine became the French city Saint-Quentin. The name spread through medieval Europe via his veneration.
What is the origin of the name Quentin?
Quentin has Latin, Old French, French, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "fifth, born fifth". In Old French, it means "the fifth-born child".
Is Quentin a boy or girl name?
Quentin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #789. As a girl name, it is ranked #37719. Quentin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Quentin?
Quentin is pronounced kw-EHNT-ihn.
How popular is the name Quentin?
Quentin is currently ranked #789 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Quentin?
Common nicknames for Quentin include Quen and Quinn.
What are good middle names for Quentin?
Popular middle name pairings include Quentin James, Quentin Alexander, Quentin Henry, Quentin Lee, Quentin Thomas, and Quentin Miles.
What are good sibling names for Quentin?
Names that pair well with Quentin as siblings include Sebastian, Maximus, Cecily, Vivienne, Julius, and Octavia.
How many syllables does Quentin have?
Quentin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Quentin a common or rare name?
Quentin is moderately common, ranked #789 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Quentin
Quentin is a boy name with French, English, and American origins . The name means "fifth, born fifth" in Latin .
Is Quentin a boy or girl name? Quentin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #789 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #37,719. Quentin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Quentin is currently ranked #789 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Quentin has 2 syllables and is pronounced kw-EHNT-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Quentin include Quen and Quinn. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis