Quentin

Pronunciation: [ kw-EHNT-ihn ]

Boy Name #789 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

A Roman classic with cinematic cool

French English American

Classic Literary Sophisticated Strong Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"fifth, born fifth"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

"the fifth-born child"

Origin: Old French

Language: French

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.

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

Famous People Named Quentin

Quentin Tarantino

Entertainer

1963

Acclaimed American filmmaker known for Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Blake

Artist

1932

British cartoonist and illustrator, best known for illustrating Roald Dahl's books

Quentin Compson Fictional

Other

Tragic protagonist in William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, a Harvard student haunted by Southern decline

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

Pairs Well With

Quentin James Quentin Alexander Quentin Henry Quentin Lee Quentin Thomas Quentin Miles

Sibling Names

Sebastian Maximus Cecily Vivienne Julius Octavia

Also a Girl Name

Quentin is also used as a girl name, ranked #37719.

View Quentin as a girl name →

Similar Names

Queen Lynn Clinton Benton Quincy Gwen Quincy Quinton

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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.