"writing feather, quill pen"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
Quill
Pronunciation: [ kw-IHL ]
Does Quill flow with your last name?
A one-syllable literary name sharp as a writer's pen
English
American
Modern
Literary
Unique
Whimsical
Bold
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"hollow stalk, tube"
Origin: Middle Low German
Language: English
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The Story of Quill
Quill comes from the Middle Low German quiele, meaning the hollow stalk of a feather used for writing. Before the invention of steel-nib pens in the 19th century, quill pens made from large bird feathers — especially goose, swan, and turkey — were the primary writing instruments of the Western world. The Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and Shakespeare's plays were all written with quill pens. As a given name, Quill appeals to parents who love its literary associations and clean, one-syllable strength.
Quill has emerged as part of the trend toward unusual, object and nature-inspired names. Its literary associations and sharp, one-syllable sound appeal to bookish parents seeking something genuinely rare.
The quill pen is one of the most enduring symbols of writing, scholarship, and intellectual life in Western culture. It appears in the logos of many publishers, universities, and literary organizations.
Historical Record
Quill first appeared in US Social Security records in 2013.
Over 384 babies have been named Quill in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Quill is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #3,125 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Declaration of Independence was signed with quill pens made from goose feathers
- Marvel's Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy is Peter Quill — a pop culture boost for the name
Quill in Other Languages
French
Quille
Italian
Quill
Spanish
Quill
Popularity Over Time
#3,125
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Quill
P
Peter Quill (Star-Lord) Fictional
Other
Hero and leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy in Marvel Comics and MCU films
Q
Quill (character) Fictional
Other
A wise character from the fantasy animated series Gravity Falls
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #3,125
- Total SSA Count
- 39
- Cultural Origins
- English American Modern
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Nicknames
Qui
Quy
Quie
Quikins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Quill
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Quill is also used as a girl name, ranked #41358.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Quill
What does the name Quill mean?
"writing feather, quill pen" (from Middle English). "hollow stalk, tube" (from Middle Low German). Quill comes from the Middle Low German quiele, meaning the hollow stalk of a feather used for writing. Before the invention of steel-nib pens in the 19th century, quill pens made from large bird feathers — especially goose, swan, and turkey — were the primary writing instruments of the Western world. The Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and Shakespeare's plays were all written with quill pens. As a given name, Quill appeals to parents who love its literary associations and clean, one-syllable strength.
What is the origin of the name Quill?
Quill has Middle English, Middle Low German, English, American, and Modern origins. In Middle English, it means "writing feather, quill pen". In Middle Low German, it means "hollow stalk, tube".
Is Quill a boy or girl name?
Quill is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3125. As a girl name, it is ranked #41358. Quill is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Quill?
Quill is pronounced kw-IHL.
How popular is the name Quill?
Quill is currently ranked #3125 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Quill?
Common nicknames for Quill include Qui, Quy, Quie, and Quikins.
What are good middle names for Quill?
Popular middle name pairings include Quill James, Quill Arthur, Quill Henry, Quill Edwin, Quill Fox, and Quill Ash.
What are good sibling names for Quill?
Names that pair well with Quill as siblings include Pax, Wren, Sage, Finn, Rook, and Fern.
How many syllables does Quill have?
Quill has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Quill a common or rare name?
Quill is an uncommon name, ranked #3125 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Quill
Quill is a boy name with English, American, and Modern origins . The name means "writing feather, quill pen" in Middle English .
Is Quill a boy or girl name? Quill is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,125 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,358. Quill is more commonly used as a boy name.
Quill is currently ranked #3,125 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Quill has 1 syllable and is pronounced kw-IHL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Quill include Qui, Quy, Quie, and Quikins. 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