Congratulations on picking the letter Q for your cutie! Boy names that start with Q carry an atmosphere of uniqueness without feeling like just another trend.
Classics like Quincey and Quinten are pretty popular, but we’ve also collected Q names for boys that will stand out in a crowd. Our list draws from every language with a “Q” to help you find the ideal epithet for your baby boy.
By the end, your questions about boy names with Q will be answered. So, come quench your curiosity with these cool Q names for boys as you read ahead.
100 Cool Male Names That Start with Q
Collect your quota of 100 boy names that start with Q!
Qaaid
The Arabic Qaaid (KA-IHD) is not to be confused with the Irish Quaid (KWAYD). Qaaid is a rare Islamic epithet that started as a Norman title given to Muslims (and converts) who were palatine officials and court members. Qaaid is among many boy names with Q that have strong meanings. Bless your baby boy with this ancient Sicilian title.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Leader, chief, commander
- Pronunciation: KA-IHD
- Variations: Qaid, Kaid, Caïd
- Namesakes: Qaid ibn Hammad ibn Buluggin, the second Hammadid ruler of present-day Algeria. Al-Qaid Jawhar ibn Abdallah, a Shia Muslim Fatimid general.
- Popularity: Qaaid has less than ten known bearers worldwide.
Qabil
Qabil is an Arabic transliteration of the biblical name Cain, meaning “something produced.” In the Bible book of Genesis, Cain was Adam and Eve’s firstborn who murdered his brother, Abel. We can agree that it’s a bit dark. But Qabil is also found in the Quran. It comes from the Quranic root Q-B-L and means “accepter,” “endorser,” or “approver.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Something produced, accepter, approver
- Pronunciation: kah-BEEL, kuh-BEEL
- Variations: Qabel
- Namesakes: Qabil Ajmeri, a Pakistani Urdu poet.
- Popularity: Qabil has about 19,500 bearers worldwide, with the majority in Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Qaçhan
Qaçhan is among the most unusual boy names that start with Q. It might stem from the root “къачхан” (kaçhan), meaning “fugitive, escaped.” It could also be a combination of “къач” (kaç) meaning “honor” or “cross,” and the Turkic title “khan” meaning “ruler, king.” These two meanings juxtapose so clearly that it feels a little funny.
- Origin: Turkic
- Meaning: Honorable king, fugitive
- Pronunciation: KA-chaan
- Popularity: Qaçhan has one known bearer worldwide.
Qadam
The Arabic Qadam is a Syrian municipality and neighborhood with a somewhat humorous meaning. Qadam is usually paired with other elements, such as in the al-Qadam village on the road called al-Qadam al-Sharif (the Noble Foot). The Quranic epithet, Muqadam, means “put/brought forward.” It could also be an alternate transcription of the Indian Kadam (start/beginning).
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Foot
- Pronunciation: ka-DAM
- Namesakes: General Qadam Shah Shahim, an Afghan diplomat and former army officer.
- Popularity: Qadam is most prevalent in the Middle East, with about 7,403 bearers internationally.
Qadan
Qadan makes a fitting choice for your list of Asian names for boys. Like many Mongolian options for male children, it symbolizes sturdiness and strength. This epithet is perfect for families with Mongolian or even Chinese ancestry. Create a connection to the country and culture through Qadan.
- Origin: Mongolian
- Meaning: Cliff
- Pronunciation: kaw-DAN
- Namesakes: Qadan Kabenūly, a Chinese politician of Kazakh ethnicity. Qazi Qadan, a Samma Dynasty Sindhi (present-day Pakistan) Sufi poet.
- Popularity: Qadan has about 4,470 bearers worldwide.
Qadir
Qadir is a strong male moniker, which means “capable,” “powerful,” and “might” in Arabic. The Quran mentions it seven times, deriving from the root Q-D-R. It also originates with the Islamic title al-Qadir, which is one of the 99 names of Allah. Also meaning “adept” and “competent,” Qadir could bring out the best in your baby.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Capable, powerful, able
- Pronunciation: KA-dee-r, ka-DEE-r
- Variations: Qadeer, Kader
- Namesakes: Qader Magsi, a Pakistani politician. Faqir Qadir Bux Bedil, a renowned Sufi poet and scholar. Qadir Yar, born Qadar Baksh, a Muslim Sandhu Jat and Punjabi language poet.
- Popularity: Qadir is the 6,906th most common name in the world.
Qahir
Qahir is a village in Yemen and a fairly common surname in Pakistan. As al-Qahir is one of the 99 names of Allah, Qahir is often part of the Quranic Abdul Qahir (servant of the Supreme/servant of Allah). If you prefer religiously inclined male names that start with Q, then Qahir might be ideal.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Conqueror, subduer
- Pronunciation: ka-HEER, KA-hihr
- Namesakes: Qahir Madhany, an American real estate managing director. Qahir Dhanani, an American managing director and partner.
- Popularity: Qahir is somewhat popular in Afghanistan, with almost 1,200 global bearers.
Qaisar
Qaisar is the Arabic form of the ancient Roman Caesar. This cognomen was used by Roman and Byzantine emperors, with the Arabs and Persians using the term Qaisar-e-Rum (Caesar of Rome). Thus, despite originating with the Latin “caesaries” (hair/hairy), Caesar and its many variants have become synonymous with “king” or “emperor.” So why not crown your newborn with Qaisar?
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Hairy
- Pronunciation: KEYE-sar
- Variations: Caesar, Kaiser, Qaiser, Kaisar, Kayser, Keiser, Keyser
- Namesakes: Qaisar Abbas Khan Magsi, a Pakistani politician. Qaisar Hameed, an Iraqi football player. Qaisar Shafi, a Pakistani-American theoretical physicist and a university physics professor.
- Popularity: Qaisar is the 9,661st most common name worldwide and is popular in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Qalbinur
Qalbinur sounds like an elaborate and exotic version of Calvin. But this gender-neutral pick stems from the Arabic “galb” (heart) and “nur” (light). It combines to create a wholesome meaning that most parents can agree perfectly represents their baby. Qalbinur is quite rare internationally, and as a forename, it only appears on charts in Azerbaijan.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Light of the heart
- Pronunciation: KAL-bih-nuur, kal-bih-NOOR
- Variations: Qelbinur
- Popularity: Qalbinur has under 100 bearers worldwide.
Qamar
Although Qamar is gender-neutral, it’s primarily feminine. In Pakistan, Nigeria, and a few English-speaking countries, it’s used more for boys. As it’s Arabic for “moon,” it’s easy to see why this ethereal epithet is favored for girls. But if your son was born at night or simply has the softest, roundest cheeks, Qamar is more than fitting.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Moon, natural satellite
- Pronunciation: kah-MAAR
- Namesakes: Qamar-ol-Moluk Vaziri, an Iranian singer and one of the first women to sing publicly in Iran without a veil. Saba Qamar Zaman, a Pakistani actress.
- Popularity: Qamar is the 3,118th most common name in the world and is most popular in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Qamari
Qamari is a gender-neutral Arabic pick from the Quranic root Q-M-R. A relative of Qamar, it means “moon-like, radiant,” but can also be interpreted as “good-looking.” Your handsome boy could use a cool epithet like Qamari. Since it sounds similar to the highly popular Amari, from the Arabic “ammar” (long-lived), this one should work fine in the West.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Moon-like, radiant, bright
- Pronunciation: KA-MA-ree, KU-mu-REE
- Variations: Qamary
- Namesakes: Bashir Qamari, a Moroccan literary critic, novelist, and playwright.
- Popularity: Qamari has about 206 bearers worldwide, with the majority in Pakistan.
Qannik
Qannik comes from the Greenlandic “qanik” and means “snowflake” in the Iñupiaq language. It’s a more modern spelling of K’ánik. Not only is Qannik rare, but it represents the uniqueness of the individual, as each snowflake has its own pattern and shape. This traditional option would be perfect for a baby born in winter.
- Origin: Inuit
- Meaning: Snowflake
- Pronunciation: KUN-nik
- Variations: K’anik
- Popularity: Qannik is limited to the U.S. and has less than five bearers.
Qara
Some in the West might assume Qara would be pronounced “KA-RA.” However, this Azerbaijani pick from the Qara Qoyunlu (Black Sheep) Turcoman tribe has a similar pronunciation to the Japanese Gaara. A notable bearer is Qara Yusuf ibn Mohammad Barani. Like his father, the bey (chieftain) Qara Mahammad, he was also a ruler of the Qara Qoyunlu dynasty.
- Origin: Azerbaijani
- Meaning: Black
- Pronunciation: GAH-RAH
- Variations: Gara
- Namesakes: Qara Shemsi Abdal, an Ottoman-era Turkish poet who wrote in Turkish and Persian. Qara Mahammad, a chieftain of the Qara Qoyunlu tribe and the father of Qara Yusuf.
- Popularity: Qara is popular in Azerbaijan and Lebanon, ranking in the top 1,000.
Qari
Qari is an Arabic epithet stemming from the Quranic root Q-R-HAMZ. From the Arabic “qāriʾūn,” “qurrā,” or “qara’ah” it refers to someone who reads or recites the Quran in the proper way, which is known as “tajwid.” Of the many Islamic names for boys that start with Q, Qari should be easy for Anglophones, as it sounds like Corey.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Reciter, reader
- Pronunciation: KAW-ree
- Variations: Qaari
- Popularity: Qari has almost 40,000 bearers internationally but is most popular in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Qarun
Qarun is the Arabic version of the biblical Korah. He is referred to in the Quran as Qārūn and was the first among the rebels who opposed Moses. In Islamic tradition, the Korah or Qarun symbolizes wealth and arrogance. Despite this association, Qarun is a straightforward option representing the living “self.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Soul, (one)self
- Pronunciation: ka-ROON, kuh-ROON
- Variations: Qārūn
- Popularity: With less than 30 bearers worldwide, Qarun is extremely rare.
Qasim
Qasim is the 2,191st most common name worldwide. It originates with the Arabic root “qasama,” meaning “to divide” or “to share.” Hence, Qasim means “one who divides/shares (goods among his people)” or simply “giver.” Qasim was the son of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who passed away after turning three. This likely added to its popularity among Muslim communities.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: One who distributes, generous, handsome
- Pronunciation: KA-seem, KA-sihm
- Variations: Qasem, Qazeem
- Namesakes: Qasim ibn Muhammad, the eldest of Muhammad and Khadija bint Khuwaylid’s sons. Qasim Melho, a Syrian TV, theater, and voice actor. Qasim Tawfiq, a Jordanian novelist.
- Popularity: In 2021, Qasim ranked 751st in England and Wales. Qasim is among the top 100 names in Yemen, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
Qaswar
Qaswar is extremely rare worldwide, and its bearers are almost exclusive to Pakistan. There are many words for “lion” in Arabic, but Qaswar is likely the only one among names for boys that start with Q. It’s also associated with “hardness” and youthful male strength. With Qaswar, your rambunctious little cub can have a cute nickname like Qas (KAS).
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Lion, strong young man
- Pronunciation: KAS-wa-r
- Variations: Qaswari
- Popularity: Qaswar is most common in Pakistan, with about 575 bearers globally.
Qaumaniq
The rare Qaumaniq comes from the Iñupiaq language. There isn’t much information concerning this moniker, as is common with many Inuit names. Even its correct pronunciation is uncertain, especially to those unfamiliar with the language and culture. Still, Qaumaniq has a spiritual feel that many new parents can connect with.
- Origin: Inuit
- Meaning: Enlightening knowledge
- Pronunciation: KA-WMAN-IHK
- Popularity: Qaumaniq is limited to the U.S., with about one recorded bearer.
Qays
The Arabic Qays might mean “measurement,” though some suggest it means “firm.” Outside media and the arts, Qays is associated with piety and military might. Qays ibn Sa’d was a leader of the Rashidun Muslim army and a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Like previous bearers, your son could become an example to measure up to with Qays.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Measurement, example
- Pronunciation: HEYESS, KEYESS
- Variations: Qais, Kais
- Namesakes: Qays Sheikh Najib, a Syrian film, TV, and theater actor. Qays Abd al-Hussein al-Yasiri, an Iraqi media historian, academic, and poet.
- Popularity: Qays has just under 1,000 bearers worldwide.
Qemal
Qemal is the Albanian form of the Arabic Kamal, meaning “perfection,” “completeness, wholeness,” and “pinnacle.” We know that every baby is perfect in the eyes of their loving parents. That’s probably what makes Qemal so popular in its homeland. Why not try this sweet epithet as you dote on your baby boy?
- Origin: Albanian, Arabic
- Meaning: Perfection
- Pronunciation: ka-MAL
- Variations: Kemal, Kamal
- Namesakes: Qemal Butka, an Albanian architect, painter, politician, and stamp engraver. Qemal Stafa, an Albanian politician and party founding member. Qemal Vogli, an Albanian footballer.
- Popularity: Qemal is very popular in Albania, ranking near the top 100 names.
Qëndrak
Many new parents hope their child will be well-rounded and even-tempered — especially in the early days! Qëndrak is the most zen of our guy names that start with Q. It comes from the Albanian root “qendër” (center/middle/headquarter). Ultimately, this stems from the Latin “centrum” and Greek “kéntron” (sharp point). Thus, Qëndrak means “(one who is) balanced/centered.”
- Origin: Albanian
- Meaning: Center, balanced
- Pronunciation: zuun-DRAK
- Popularity: Qëndrak doesn’t appear on popularity charts.
Qerim
Qerim is the Albanian version of Kerim. Ultimately, these stem from the Arabic Karim from the root “karuma” (to be generous). Despite its smaller population, Qerim is more popular in Kosovo than in Albania. Still, it ranks within the top 1,000 names in both places. This seems reasonable as Kosovo shares Albania’s language and culture.
- Origin: Albanian, Arabic
- Meaning: Generous, gracious one
- Pronunciation: KEH-rehm, KEH-reem
- Variations: Karim, Kerim
- Namesakes: Qerim Begolli, an Albanian activist and nationalist during WWII. Qerim Idrizaj, an Austrian football player.
- Popularity: Qerim has almost 3,000 bearers worldwide and is popular in Albania.
Qhawa
Qhawa is masculine in the Aymara language and feminine in Quechua. Its Aymara, meaning “breastplate, armor,” symbolizes strength and protection. Since the proper pronunciation is unknown, parents are free to experiment.
- Origin: Aymara, Quechua
- Meaning: Breastplate, armor, one who watches
- Pronunciation: KA-WA
- Variations: Qhawaq
- Popularity: Qhawa doesn’t show up on popularity charts.
Qi
Qi keeps it short and sweet. It’s a transliteration of the Chinese character for “qì.” Depending on how it’s written and read, it can mean “air, breath, steam, vital energy,” “to open, to enlighten,” or “plan, strategy, chess game.” Many people will recognize Qi from the traditional Chinese concept, which dictates that all living beings are made of “vital force.”
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Air, vital energy, strategy, enlighten
- Pronunciation: CHEE
- Variations: Chi
- Namesakes: Qi of Xia, a Xia-dynasty Chinese king and the son of Yu the Great. Qi Qi, a Chinese artistic gymnast.
- Popularity: Qi is most common in Singapore and Taiwan.
Qian
Qian is a gender-neutral Chinese option that is much more common as a surname. Originally, “qiàn,” written as 倩, meant “smiling,” “handsome, beautiful, or “fast.” But Qian is more heavily associated with the Chinese character 钱 (qián), meaning “money.” One way or another, Qian could be a wish for your son’s good fortune and happiness.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Money, iron spade
- Pronunciation: CHEE-ehn
- Variations: Chien, Tsien
- Namesakes: Qian Zhang, a 2nd-century BC Chinese official, diplomat, and imperial envoy. Xuesen Qian, a Chinese aerospace engineer (rocket scientist) and cyberneticist.
- Popularity: Qian is quite popular in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Qianfan
Qianfan means “a thousand sails.” It’s a pairing of the Chinese characters 前 (qián), meaning “front, forward,” and 番 (fān) meaning “sail, fan.” This nautical pick is reminiscent of China’s long history of shipbuilding and naval power. Plus, Qianfan is easy on the ears.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Thousand sails
- Pronunciation: CHEE-EHN-FEHN
- Namesakes: Qianfan Zhang, a Chinese constitutional law professor and an activist.
- Popularity: Qianfan is most prevalent in China and has about 4,386 bearers worldwide.
Qiang
Qiang is both beautiful and tough. It comes from the Chinese character 强 (qiáng), meaning “strong, powerful, energetic,” or 蔷 (qiáng) “rose.” The latter character and meaning are usually reserved for girls, while the former is primarily masculine. Qiang is extremely popular, though more so in the East. Still, your baby will have lots of bearers in arms with Qiang.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Strong, powerful, rose
- Pronunciation: CHYUNG
- Namesakes: Qiang Yang, a Chinese scientist and university department head. Qiang Du, a Chinese mathematician, computational scientist, and university professor. Qiang Liu, a Chinese amateur boxer.
- Popularity: Qiang is in the top 100 names in China and is the 104th most common name worldwide.
Qillaq
Qillaq is one of those cool Greenlandic boy names with Q. It starts with the rarely-used letter and ends with it, too! Unlike English, the Greenlandic “q” is pronounced at the back of the throat. Although Qillaq is a forename in Greenland and Denmark, it’s used as a surname in Canada, though this is quite rare.
- Origin: Greenlandic
- Meaning: Seal hide, seal skin
- Pronunciation: KEE-lak, KHEE-lakh
- Popularity: In 2014, Qillaq ranked 298th in Greenland, where it’s most popular.
Qimmiq
Qimmiq is a male moniker, only found in the U.S. It’s the Inuit word for “dog,” and as such, the Canadian Inuit Dog breed is sometimes simply referred to as “qimmiq” or “qimmit.” Names meaning “dog” are not uncommon in some cultures. This often represents qualities they wish for the child, such as loyalty, good-naturedness, and strength.
- Origin: Inuit
- Meaning: Dog
- Pronunciation: KIHM-MEEK, KHIHM-MIHK, KWIHM-MIHK
- Variations: Qimmik
- Popularity: Qimmiq is limited to the U.S., with less than five known bearers worldwide.
Qing
Qing is usually written with the Chinese characters for “blue” or “young.” It can also be written with the character 清 (qīng), meaning “clear, pure, clean” or “honest, upright” and “still, quiet.” This sing-song epithet captures many soothing qualities parents want to foster in their kids. Qing is also widely known for the Great Qing, China’s last imperial dynasty.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Blue, green, young
- Pronunciation: CHYUNG, CHEENG
- Variations: Ching
- Namesakes: Qing Jiang, a Chinese contemporary Confucian. Qing Jiang, a Chinese communist revolutionary, actress, and wife of the Paramount leader, Mao Zedong.
- Popularity: Qing is in the top 100 names in China and Hong Kong.
Qinglong
Qinglong is the azure dragon of Chinese mythology. It’s associated with the Qing dynasty and was featured on what is considered China’s first national flag (the yellow dragon flag). This dragon is also connected to the east and springtime. Regardless of background, every son is a prince, and the heir to your throne deserves a grand epithet like Qinglong.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Azure dragon
- Pronunciation: CHING-long, CHYUNG-long
- Variations: Qianlong
- Namesakes: Qianlong, a Chinese Qing Dynasty Emperor and the fourth Qing Emperor to rule over China. Qianlong Wu, a Chinese race-walker from Inner Mongolia.
Qismat
Qismat is not well-known in the West, though it certainly has fans in the East. Turkey even has its version — Kısmet. Qismat means “fate” or “fortune” in Arabic, but it can also mean “destiny” or “God’s will.” Impart a sense of cosmic divinity when you go with the very cool-sounding Qismat.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Fate, fortune
- Pronunciation: kuus-MEHT, KIHS-mut
- Variations: Kismet, Qesmat
- Namesakes: Qismat Alıyev, an Azerbaijani professional football player.
- Popularity: Qismat ranked in the top 1,000 names in Azerbaijan in 2014 but is most popular in Pakistan.
Qiu
Qiu usually stems from the Chinese characters 秋 “qiū” (autumn) or 丘 “qiū” (mound, hill). The latter is more commonly used as a surname in China, except in the case of Confucius. Although the ancient Chinese philosopher was known as Kǒng Fūzǐ (Master Kong), his clan name was Kong (孔), and his given name was Qiu (丘).
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Autumn, hill
- Pronunciation: CHYOH
- Variations: Chiu
- Namesakes: Qiū Kong, better known as Confucius, a renowned ancient Chinese philosopher.
- Popularity: Qiu is most prevalent in Hong Kong, where it usually ranks in the top 1,000 names, but it is also used in the U.S.
Qochata
Qochata is a Native American from the Hopi tribe. It’s rarely used as a given name, but don’t let that deter you. If your baby boy has blond features, then Qochata could be a fitting descriptor. Qochata could also be your entry into learning more about the Hopi culture.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: White man
- Pronunciation: koo-CHA-ta
- Popularity: Qochata doesn’t show up in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.
Qoni
Qoni is a comforting Quechua moniker that means “warmth.” It’s quite sweet. The unrelated Uzbek word “qoni,” means “blood.” Whether you’re referring to the cozy bundle swaddled in your arms or the ancestral blood flowing through his veins, Qoni keeps it close to the heart.
- Origin: Quechua
- Meaning: Warmth
- Pronunciation: KOH-neye, KOH-nah
- Popularity: Qoni has about 128 bearers internationally.
Qorane
Qorane is a Somali option that refers to the Islamic holy book of the Quran. Where Quran means “recitation,” Qorane means “writer.” This forename is also found to a much lesser extent in Somaliland, South Africa, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. As a surname, Qorane is most common in Somalia.
- Origin: Somali
- Meaning: Writer
- Pronunciation: KAW-RAN
- Popularity: Qorane has less than 1,000 bearers worldwide, mostly in Somalia.
Quade
Quade is the Anglicized Quaid, from the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Uaid (son of Uaid). Uaid comes from the Germanic Wat, a diminutive of Walter (power of the army). Quade may also be a German nickname-derived surname based on the Middle Low German “quat” (evil/false/malicious). Some suggest a connection to the topographic Middle High German “quat” (dirt/mud).
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Son of Uaid, power, authority
- Pronunciation: KWAYD
- Variations: Quaid
- Namesakes: Quade Cooper, a New Zealand-born professional rugby union player representing Australia. Edward Quade Winter, an American composer, musical restorationist, and translator.
- Popularity: Although it doesn’t crack the top 1,000 names, Quade is most common in Sudan, South Africa, and the U.S.
Quadir
Quadir is Arabic for “mighty, able, powerful, capable.” This is a variant of Qadir, mostly used in Nigeria. Quadir is associated with godliness, as in the Islamic faith, al-Qadir is one of the names of Allah. Use Quadir if you’re looking for a slight spin on the more common Qadir.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Powerful, capable
- Pronunciation: KA-dee-r, ka-DEE-r
- Variations: Qadir, Qadeer
- Namesakes: Quadir Maynard, a Bermudian football player. Quadir Hassan Welton, an American basketball player.
- Popularity: Quadir is most common in Nigeria, but there are less than 1,000 bearers globally.
Quaid
Quaid derives from the Irish surname Mcquaid, from the Gaelic Mac Uaid (son of Uaid). It’s sometimes confused with the Arabic Qaid/Qaaid but is unrelated. Uaid is based on Wat, a Germanic diminutive of Walter (power/authority of the army). Quaid could also stem from the Middle Low German “quat” (evil/false) or Middle High German “quat” (mud/dirt).
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Son of Uaid, power, authority
- Pronunciation: KWAYD
- Variations: Quade
- Popularity: With about 1,777 bearers worldwide, Quaid is most popular in Pakistan and the U.S.
Qualetaga
Qualetaga is quite a mystery. With an uncertain origin and pronunciation, there is plenty of opportunity to create a culture around it. Qualetaga is one of the more unique options on our list of male names that start with Q. What could be better for your special little angel?
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Angel
- Pronunciation: KA-LAY-TA-GA
- Popularity: Qualetaga does not show up on popularity charts.
Quamdeen
Quamdeen is a rare Islamic option from the Yoruba language. It means “pillar of (the) faith” from the Arabic elements “qawam” (standing upright/leader) and “deen” (faith/religion). It’s sometimes confused for the similar unisex Islamic Qamar ud-Din, also spelt Qamardeen or Kamaruddin (ka-ma-ruu-DEEN), meaning “moon of (the) faith/religion.” Quamdeen appears to be a fairly modern creation.
- Origin: African, Arabic
- Meaning: Pillar of the faith (Islam)
- Pronunciation: kuh-wam-DEEN
- Variations: Qawam-deen
- Popularity: Quamdeen is most common in Nigeria, where there are about 26 bearers.
Quan
Quan is primarily a surname from the Chinese characters 權, 权, and 全, or a spelling of Guān (關). The Quan family founded the state of Quan during China’s Shang dynasty. As a given name, Quan is mostly masculine. It’s taken from “quán,” written as 泉 (spring/fountain), 权 (power/authority), 全 (whole/all/entire), or 荃 (fine cloth).
- Origin: Vietnamese, Chinese
- Meaning: Army, fountain, authority, fine cloth
- Pronunciation: KWAAN, CHWEHN
- Variations: Kwan, Guān
- Namesakes: Quan Yeomans, an Australian musician and band frontman.
- Popularity: Quan is highly popular in China and Vietnam, ranking the 534th most common name worldwide.
Quanah
Quanah is the Anglicized form of the Native American Comanche word “kwana,” meaning “fragrant, smell, odor.” With just under 300 bearers worldwide, Quanah is certainly special. Commemorate your newborn baby’s sweet scent with Quanah.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Fragrant
- Pronunciation: KWAH-nuh
- Variations: Kwana
- Namesakes: Quanah Parker, a war leader of the Kwahadi band of the Comanche Nation.
- Popularity: Quanah is most common in the U.S., but it doesn’t make the charts.
Quang
Quang is a Romanization of the Sino-Vietnamese “quang,” written as 光 (bright/clear) or 廣 (broad/extensive/wide). Quang is the 1,787th most common name in the world and a highly popular surname. Get in touch with your roots or explore another culture with Quang.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Bright, clear
- Pronunciation: kWANG, gWANG
- Namesakes: Emperor Quang Trung, an emperor of Vietnam’s Tây Sơn dynasty. Quang Liêm Lê, a Vietnamese chess grandmaster. Quang Pham, a Vietnamese-American veteran and author.
- Popularity: Quang ranks in the top 100 names in Vietnam, making it highly popular.
Quantavious
Quantavious checks all the boxes for a unique Q name for boys. It’s a little lengthy, but this modern African American creation is loaded with fun. It combines the Sino-Vietnamese Quan (軍), meaning “army,” and an alternate spelling of the Latin Octavius, meaning “eighth.” Quantavious is meant for trailblazers.
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Eighth army
- Pronunciation: kwaan-TAY-vee-us
- Variations: Quantavius
- Namesakes: Quantavious Thomas, stage name Young Nudy, an American rapper. Quantavious Leslie, an American gridiron football player.
- Popularity: Quantavious has about 36 bearers limited to the U.S.
Quantez
Quantez might be a variant of Quantis, but it’s probably an invented name. Thus, its meaning remains uncertain. It could be a form of the Latin “quantus,” meaning “how much?” More likely, it’s a combination of the Chinese surname Kwan, meaning “frontier pass,” and the Spanish suffix “ez,” meaning “son of.” Common nicknames include Quan (KWAAN) and Tez (TEHZ).
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Frontier pass, son of Kwan
- Pronunciation: KWAAN-tehz
- Variations: Quantis
- Namesakes: Quantez Robertson, an American professional basketball player.
- Popularity: Quantez is limited to the U.S. but doesn’t make the top 1,000 names.
Quartez
Quartez is an English respelling of the Spanish surname Cortez, a variant of Cortés which means “courteous” and “polite.” Most parents hope their children will adopt these qualities from an early age. With the common belief that your name shapes you, perhaps it’s a good idea to choose Quartez.
- Origin: African American, Spanish
- Meaning: Polite, courteous
- Pronunciation: KAWR-tehz, KOHR-tehz
- Variations: Cortez
- Namesakes: Quartez Harris, an American writer.
- Popularity: Quartez is limited to the U.S., with just under 100 bearers.
Quartus
Quartus stems from the Latin word for “fourth.” It was likely used for the fourth-born son or one born in the fourth month. The moniker goes back centuries. In the Bible, Paul greeted Quartus, an early Christian disciple living in Corinth, in his letter to the Romans. You can use Quartus regardless of your son’s birth order.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Fourth
- Pronunciation: KWAR-tohs, KWAWR-tus
- Variations: Kouartos
- Namesakes: Quartus de Wet, a South African judge. Quartus of Berytus, a bishop of Beirut.
- Popularity: With about 151 bearers, Quartus is extremely rare worldwide.
Quartz
Quartz is a gemstone with increased popularity as a first name due to Cartoon Network’s show, Steven Universe. It stems from the German “quarz” (rock crystal), itself from the Middle High German “twarc” (dwarf). It goes further back to the Old Slavic “tvrudu” (hard) and the Proto-Indo-European root meaning “to grasp, hold, hard.” Quartz is perfect for your precious gem.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Hard, rock, crystal
- Pronunciation: KWAWRTS, KWAWTS
- Namesakes: Jakie Quartz, born Jacqueline Cuchet, a French singer.
- Popularity: Quartz is quite rare, with less than 50 bearers worldwide.
Quashie
Although Quashie is primarily a Caribbean surname, it has gained some traction as a first. It comes from the Jamaican Patois “kwesiada,” meaning “Sunday,” and is taken from the Akan language Kwasi. This West African masculine moniker was given to a son born on a Sunday. Quashie could be a cool way to explore and connect with Afro-Caribbean culture.
- Origin: Caribbean, West African
- Meaning: Sunday, (born on a) Sunday
- Pronunciation: KWAH-shee
- Namesakes: Vice Admiral Mathew Quashie, a Ghanaian naval officer.
- Popularity: Quashie is mostly found in Nigeria, Ghana, and the English-Speaking Caribbean, but is rare internationally.
Quasimodo
Quasimodo can mostly be found in Cameroon and Italy. Victor Hugo created it for the protagonist of his novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This unusual epithet derives from the Sunday after Easter (Quasimodo Sunday), named for the baptismal ceremony which was customarily held. The Latin phrase “Quasi modo geniti infantes…” (As newborn babes…) was chanted during the proceedings.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: As it were
- Pronunciation: KWAH-zee-MOH-doh, KA-zee-MOH-doh
- Namesakes: Salvatore Quasimodo, an Italian poet, translator, and Nobel Prize laureate.
- Popularity: Quasimodo is most popular in Cameroon but doesn’t make the top 1,000 names there.
Quattro
Quattro is more often a surname, but it’s catching on as a first. Derived from Santiquattro, this personal epithet was given in honor of the four saints who were martyred by Emperor Diocletian. Although today, Quattro might be associated with Audi’s trademarked automotive technologies, it’s still a great option. Why not add some Italian flair to your son’s birth order?
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Four
- Pronunciation: KWOT-roh, KWAAT-roh, KWAT-roh
- Namesakes: Van Quattro, an American actor and producer.
- Popularity: As a forename, Quattro has just under 40 bearers worldwide, but as a surname, it has over 700 bearers.
Quavion
Quavion gets full marks for creativity. This African American variant of Kavon ultimately comes from Kevon. This is a derivative of Kevin, from the traditional Irish Caoimhín, meaning “handsome.” In some cases, Kevon is simply meant to be a combination of the prefix “Kev” and the suffix “von,” possibly from the Welsh “vaughn” (little).
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Handsome, little handsome one
- Pronunciation: KWAY-vee-un, kwyuu-VEYE-un
- Variations: Quavon, Kevon
- Popularity: Quavion is extremely rare as there are about five known bearers limited to the U.S.
Quavon
The meaning of Quavon is uncertain, but some suggest it means “warrior.” Quavon has less than 20 bearers worldwide, which is downright popular compared to its variant, Quayvon. The American gridiron football player, Quayvon Hicks, is the only known bearer of this variation of Quavon.
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Warrior
- Pronunciation: KWAY-vaan
- Variations: Quayvon
- Popularity: Quavon is limited to Grenada and the U.S.
Quay
Quay (KEE/KEH) is a French word for “wharf,” also used in English. It refers to a platform over water for loading and unloading ships. Quay was Middle English, but ultimately stems from the Old French “kay,” eventually influenced by the modern spelling “quai.” Today, Saint Quay Portrieux is a commune in Brittany.
- Origin: French, English
- Meaning: Wharf
- Pronunciation: KEE, KEH
- Namesakes: Christopher Rosser, stage name Quay Global, an American record producer. Matthew Quay, an American politician.
- Popularity: Quay has just over 9,000 bearers internationally.
Qubad
Qubad is a variant of the Persian Qobad. There are just about 869 bearers worldwide. Qubad Kamran, also called Kavadh I, was a king of Persia and a character in the epic The Adventures of Amir Hamza. The meaning of Qubad is influenced by this king’s just and courageous rule.
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: Beloved king
- Pronunciation: kuu-BAD
- Variations: Qobad, Qobaad
- Namesakes: Qubad Talabani, an Iraqi Kurdish politician, the Kurdistan Region’s deputy prime minister, and son of former Iraqi president Jalal Talaban. Qubad, or Kubad, the 13th Shah of Shirvan.
- Popularity: Qubad is most common in Azerbaijan but doesn’t crack the top 1,000 names there.
Qudrat
Qudrat is derived from the Arabic word “qudrah,” meaning “power, strength, force.” This stems from the Quranic root Q-D-R, making it a popular Islamic choice. Qudrat might seem unusual in the West, but this manly pick could also make a meaningful middle name.
- Origin: Arabic, Persian
- Meaning: Power, aptitude, strength
- Pronunciation: KOOD-reht, kood-RAAT
- Variations: Qudrah, Qudra, Qudrat
- Namesakes: Qudrat Shahab, a Pakistani Urdu-language writer and civil servant. Qudrat Ali, a Pakistani mountaineer. Muhammad Qudrat-A-Khuda, a Bangladeshi chemist and writer.
- Popularity: In 2014, Qudrat ranked in or near the top 1,000 names in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
Que
Que or Qué is a Catalan variant of the topographic Quer (rock/cliff). In Chinese, Que stems from the city of Quetang, or a Mandarin form of the surname 闕 (Que), meaning “(a palace gate) watchtower/rampart.” In English, Que might be a diminutive of Quentin or feminine names like Quentina or Jacqueline. Nicknames include Queque (KAY-kay) or “Q” (KEW).
- Origin: English, Catalan, Chinese
- Meaning: Rock, cliff, palace watchtower/rampart
- Pronunciation: KEHY, KAY
- Variations: Qué
- Namesakes: Angelo Que, an award-winning Filipino professional golfer.
- Popularity: Que is highly popular in Vietnam, ranking in the top 500 names in 2014.
Quebec
Quebec is used as a Filipino Spanish habitational surname for someone from Quebec, Canada. Although it’s associated with this French-speaking province of Canada, Quebec comes from the Native American Algonquin word “kepec,” meaning “narrows.” As a forename, there are only about 47 bearers worldwide. Quebec is ideal for parents interested in travel names or Algonquin culture.
- Origin: French, Spanish, Native American
- Meaning: Narrow passage, straight
- Pronunciation: kwuh-BEHK, kwih-BEHK, KAY-behk
- Variations: Québec
- Namesakes: Ike Abrams Quebec, an American jazz tenor saxophonist.
- Popularity: Quebec doesn’t rank in the U.S. top 1,000 names, but in 2010, it ranked 125,282nd out of 162,253 surnames in the U.S.
Quennel
Quennel has two unrelated origins. It’s Nahuatl for “What is to be done?” or “What remedy?” It also comes from the Old French habitational surname Quennell, from Quesnel, meaning “small oak.” The transferred use of this surname to a male moniker is most popular in the Western English-speaking world.
- Origin: French, Native American
- Meaning: (Dweller by the) small oak, what remedy
- Pronunciation: KWEH-NEHL, KEH-nehl
- Variations: Quennell
- Namesakes: Quennel Gaskin, an American pianist.
- Popularity: Quennel is most common in the U.S. but doesn’t crack the top 1,000 names.
Quent
Quent might sound funny, but it’s likely just a shortened form of Quentin. Ultimately, it’s derived from the Latin praenomen (given name) Quintus, meaning “fifth.” Quent is a modern diminutive fit for a modern young man.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Fifth
- Pronunciation: KWEHNT, KEHNT
- Popularity: Quent is most popular in the U.S., with about 456 bearers worldwide.
Quentin
Quentin is the French and English form of the Latin cognomen Quintinus and praenomen (given name) Quintus, meaning “fifth.” It was brought to England by the Normans and made popular through former American president Theodore Roosevelt’s son, Quentin Rossevelt. In the modern era, it’s heavily associated with the American film director, screenwriter, and producer Quentin Tarantino.
- Origin: English, French, Latin
- Meaning: Fifth
- Pronunciation: KWEHN-tin, KAA-teh
- Variations: Quintin, Quinten, Quentyn, Quenton, Quintyn
- Namesakes: Quentin of Amiens, an early Christian saint.Quentin Roosevelt I, American president Theodore Roosevelt’s youngest son. Quentin Kūhiō Kawānanakoa, an American politician and descendant of Hawaiian royalty.
- Popularity: In 2022, Quentin ranked 401st in France and 654th in the U.S.
Quentrel
Quentrel is an invented African American moniker. The meaning is uncertain, but some propose it means “dashing.” Quentrel may have taken inspiration from Quennel (little oak) or the Latin-derived Quentin (fifth).
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Dashing, elegant
- Pronunciation: KWEHN-trehl
- Variations: Quentrell
- Namesakes: Quentrel Provo, an American singer, songwriter, and activist.
- Popularity: Quentrel is limited to the U.S., where it is extremely rare, with less than five known bearers.
Quesnel
From the Picard French dialect, Quesnel or Quesnell means “little oak.” It’s a French and Swedish surname but is most popular in France and Canada. As a forename, Quesnel is most often used in Haiti and the U.S. Though the usual English pronunciation is KWEHZ-nul, some pronounce it as kwuh-NEHL, closer to the original French keh-NEHL.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Little oak
- Pronunciation: KWEHZ-nul, keh-NEHL
- Variations: Quesnnell
- Namesakes: Yannick Quesnel, a French football player.
- Popularity: Quesnel is most common in Haiti, but falls short of the top 2,000 names there.
Quest
Trendsetting parents might like to be more literal with their search for boy names that start with Q by selecting Quest. This English word name comes from the Latin “questa” (search/inquiry) or “quaerere” (ask/seek). Although it’s considered a gender-neutral choice, Quest is primarily used for boys.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Search, inquiry
- Pronunciation: KWEHS, KWEHST
- Namesakes: Quest Couch, an American writer, designer, and inventor. Richard Quest, a British journalist and news anchor.
- Popularity: As a first name, Quest has become more popular, and in 2020, it neared the top 1,000 names in the U.S.
Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl looks long and complex, but don’t let it intimidate you. The Classical Nahuatl word can be broken into easy-to-say parts and even shortened to Coatl (koo-ATL). A combination of “quetzalli” (quetzal feather/precious thing) and “cōātl” (snake/serpent), Quetzalcoatl means “serpent of precious feathers” or “plumed-serpent.” This Mesoamerican god was also called Kukulcán in the Mayan language.
- Origin: Aztec, Native American
- Meaning: Precious feathered serpent
- Pronunciation: keht-saal-koo-atl, keht-sul-koo-A-tl
- Popularity: Quetzalcoatl is uncommon worldwide, with just under 700 bearers in Mexico.
Quill
Quill is a trendy English word name referring to a “feather pen” or the zoological term for a “spine.” It stems from the Middle English “quil” (fragment of reed/feather shaft). Quill might also be a diminutive of the occupational surname Quillan or Quiller, from Old French “cuiller” (spoon/ladle). It’s also an Anglicized Irish surname meaning “forest, wood, hazel tree.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Shaft of a feather, fragment of reed, forest, wood
- Pronunciation: KWIHL
- Variations: Quille
- Popularity: Quill is extremely rare as a first name, with about 149 bearers globally.
Quillan
The Anglicized Quillan is a transferred usage of the Irish surname Quillen. Derived from Hugelin and Hugh, from the Germanic Hugo, it means “spirit, mind, thought.” Quillan’s Gaelic counterpart is Mac Uighilin (son of Hugelin). Some suggest that Quillan means “cub.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Spirit, mind
- Pronunciation: KWIH-lun, KWIH-lihn
- Variations: Quillen
- Namesakes: Quillan Roberts, a Canadian-born professional football player of Jamaican and Guyanese descent. Quillan Isidore, a British BMX rider.
- Popularity: There are just over 100 bearers of Quillian worldwide.
Quincy
Quincy sounds quite fancy. That could be due to its origins with the Norman-English toponymic (derived from a location) surname de Quincy (of Quincy). The place in question is the village of Cuinchy in France, which stems from the personal name Quintus (fifth). A notable bearer was the former American president, John Quincy Adams.
- Origin: English, Norman
- Meaning: Fifth
- Pronunciation: KWIHN-see
- Variations: Quincee, Quincey
- Namesakes: Quincy Jones Jr., an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and film and TV producer. Quincy Brown, an American actor and singer. Quincy Alexander, a Trinidad and Tobago track cyclist.
- Popularity: Quincy peaked on U.S. charts in 1977 at 273rd and was 665th in 2022.
Quinlan
Quinlan is the Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Caoindealbháin, from the given name Caoindealbhán. This is a combination of the Old Irish “caín,” meaning “handsome,” with “delb,” meaning “form, image,” and a diminutive suffix. In contemporary media, the Star Wars character and Jedi Master Quinlan Vos sports this rakish moniker.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Handsome form, fit
- Pronunciation: KWIN-luhn
- Namesakes: John Quinlan Terry, a British architect.
- Popularity: Quinlan is most popular in the U.S. but doesn’t make the top 1,000.
Quinn
Quinn is a popular unisex pick from the Anglicized Irish Gaelic surname Ó Cuinn. This originates with the Old Irish Conn, which might be from “conn” (sense/reason) or “cenn” (chief/head). Quinn is a favorite in the West and many English-speaking territories like Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and England and Wales.
- Origin: Irish, English
- Meaning: Chief, reason, wise
- Pronunciation: KWIHN
- Variations: Quin
- Namesakes: Quinn Cook, an American professional basketball player. Quinn Carpenter, an American male ice dancer. Quinn Farrell, a U.S. Virgin Islands (association) football player.
- Popularity: Quinn peaked for boys on the U.S. charts at 259th in 2009.
Quint
Quint is the Catalan and French form of Quintus and an English, Dutch, and German diminutive of given names beginning with “quint.” This affords it the meaning “fifth.” Quint is also a Middle English nickname from “queint(e),” meaning “wise, prudent, sly, crafty.” If you’re still keen on nicknames for Quint, you can shorten it to Quin.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Fifth, prudent, crafty, sly
- Pronunciation: KWIHNT
- Namesakes: Quint Kessenich, an American TV sportscaster. Pieter Philips Jurriaan Quint Ondaatje, a Dutch patriot and politician.
- Popularity: Quint ranked twice in the U.S. at 808th in 1964 and 992nd in 1965. It first ranked in the Netherlands in 2008 at 319th.
Quintavious
Quintavious is an African-American invented name with Latin roots. As “quint” is usually associated with the Latin Quintus, it could mean “fifth.” The latter part of Quintavious could come from the Latin word “avius” (bird). But it might simply have been chosen for how it sounds.
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Fifth, the fifth bird
- Pronunciation: kwihn-TAY-vee-us
- Variations: Quintavius
- Namesakes: Quintavious Johnson, an American singer.
- Popularity: Quintavious is rare, with about 40 bearers worldwide.
Quinten
Quinten is an English and Dutch variant of Quentin, the French form of the Latin Quintinus (fifth). As such, Quinten is most popular in countries that speak (or spoke and were influenced by) Dutch. Places like the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, and Curaçao are the most common.
- Origin: Dutch, English
- Meaning: Fifth
- Pronunciation: kfihn-TOON, KWIHN-tun
- Variations: Quentin
- Namesakes: Quinten Hermans, a Belgian road and cyclo-cross cyclist. Quinten Hann, an Australian professional pool and snooker player. Quinten Timber, a Dutch association football player.
- Popularity: In 2022, Quinten ranked 265th in the Netherlands, and last ranked in 2011 in the U.S. at 926th.
Quintez
Quintez is an African American elaboration of Quin, from the Old Irish “conn” (sense/reason) or “cenn” (head/chief). It may also be a combination of the Latin-derived given name meaning “fifth” and the Spanish suffix “ez,” meaning “son of.” There are just over 100 international bearers of Quintez, mainly in the U.S.
- Origin: African American
- Meaning: Chief, reason, wise
- Pronunciation: KWIHN-tehz
- Namesakes: Quintez Cephus, an American gridiron football player and free agent.
- Popularity: Quintez is most popular in the U.S. but is extremely rare worldwide.
Quintiliano
Quintiliano is the Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of the Latin praenomen Quintilianus. This was derived from the surname Quinctilius, ultimately from Quintus, meaning “fifth,” referencing a birth in the fifth month or being the fifth-born. Because of its length, Quintiliano is the perfect middle name. It’s also a treasure trove of nicknames like Quin, Quinny, Quint, Lee, and Tilian.
- Origin: Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: Fifth born, born in the fifth month
- Pronunciation: KEEN-tih-lee-a-NOH
- Variations: Quintilianus, Quintilian
- Namesakes: Quintiliano de Mesquita, a Brazilian physician and scientist.
- Popularity: Quintiliano is popular in Mexico and Brazil, but with about 2,704 bearers worldwide, it is quite rare.
Quintino
Quintino is the Italian and Portuguese form of Quintinus. Ultimately, this stems from the Latin Quintus, meaning “(the) fifth.” Quintino may be popular mostly in Portuguese territories and in Italy, but it has the potential to be a hit among English-speakers. After all, who could pass up a nickname as adorable as Tino?
- Origin: Italian, Portuguese
- Meaning: The fifth
- Pronunciation: kwihn-TEE-noh, kin-CHIH-noh
- Namesakes: Quintino de Sousa Bocaiuva, a Brazilian politician, and writer. Quintino de Lacerda, an Afro-Brazilian politician and abolitionist.
- Popularity: Quintino made the charts in Brazil at 700th in 1930 and 877th in 1940.
Quinton
Quinton feels a little old-school, but that only adds to its air of class and sophistication. It’s a variant of the English and French Quentin. But Quinton is also an Old English surname meaning “queen’s town,” from a combination of “cwen” and “tun.” Outside of the U.S., Quinton is most commonly used in South Africa.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Fifth, queen’s town
- Pronunciation: KWIHN-tun
- Variations: Quentin, Quinnton
- Namesakes: Quinton Aaron, an American actor known for starring in The Blind Side. Quinton de Kock, a South African cricketer. Quinton Hooker, an American professional basketball player.
- Popularity: Quinton peaked in the U.S. in 1990 at 297th and was 757th in 2022.
Quintrell
The surname Quintrell appeared in England after the Norman conquest as an Anglicization of the Old French Cointerel. This likely derived from the Old French nickname “cointerel” (beau dandy fop). Another possibility is that it was a toponymic surname (derived from a place name) from the French commune Chantarel(le). In modern times, Quintrell is a male moniker.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Beau dandy, dashing
- Pronunciation: KWIHN-trehl, KWIHN-trl
- Namesakes: Quintrell Thomas, an American professional basketball player.
- Popularity: Quintrell is limited to the U.S. with about 72 bearers.
Quintus
Quintus is a Latin praenomen (given name) meaning “(the) fifth.” It was originally spelled Quinctus and was bestowed upon a child born in the fifth month or the fifth-born son. Notable bearers include the lyric poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, who is commonly known to the English-speaking world as Horace.
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: Fifth
- Pronunciation: KWIHN-tus, KWEEN-toos
- Variations: Quinctus, Quinto
- Namesakes: Quintus Rufus, a 1st-century Roman historian. Quintus Maximus Verrucosus, a 3rd-century Roman statesman and general. Quintus Horatius Flaccus, a Roman poet.
- Popularity: Quintus doesn’t make the U.S. top 1,000 names as it is rare worldwide.
Quique
Quique is a nickname turned standalone given name. It’s a diminutive of Enrique, which ultimately stems from the Germanic Heimirich (later spelled Heinrich), meaning “home ruler.” Quique is also the Portuguese short form of Henrique, which comes from Eric, meaning “ever-ruler.” Although Quique is super cute, it’s still quite rare worldwide. Bring home a little king with Quique.
- Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
- Meaning: Home ruler, ever-ruler
- Pronunciation: KEE-keh
- Variations: Kike
- Namesakes: Quique Dacosta, a Spanish chef. Quique Somenzini, an Argentine professional aircraft pilot and designer. Quique Sinesi, a Latin Grammy Award-winning Argentine guitarist.
- Popularity: Quique is most prevalent in Spain, but doesn’t crack the top 1,000 names there.
Quirin
Quirin is the German form of the Latin Quirinus, which might have roots in the Sabine word “quiris” (spear). Quirinus was a god in Roman mythology and later became another name for the god Janus. Because of its meaning, Quirin feels fierce despite its unassuming appearance.
- Origin: German, Latin
- Meaning: Spear
- Pronunciation: kvee-REEN
- Variations: Quirino, Quirinus
- Namesakes: Quirin Moll, a German professional football player. Quirin Agrippi, a Swiss actor. Egid Quirin Asam, a German plasterer, sculptor, architect, and painter.
- Popularity: Quirin is most common in Germany and Benin, but in 1940, it ranked 448th in France.
Quirinius
Quirinius is sometimes confused with Quirinus, but it’s a Latin cognomen (nickname turned patronymic) of uncertain meaning. Quirinius might stem from the Sabine word “quiris,” meaning “spear,” making the two names related. As its only known bearer was Quirinius or Cyrenius, a Roman governor mentioned in the Bible, it may derive from the Greek city of Cyrene.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Spear, from Cyrene
- Pronunciation: kwih-RIH-nee-us, kwee-REE–nee-oos
- Variations: Cyrenius
- Namesakes: Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, or Cyrenius, was a Roman aristocrat.
- Popularity: Quirinius has about 27 bearers worldwide and is most common in Uganda.
Quirinus
Quirinus was an ancient Roman god sometimes associated with Romulus, though later, this epithet became attached to the god Janus. Quirinus might come from the Sabine word “quiris” (spear). Although Quirinus is rare, its bearers are notable enough to be a source of inspiration. With so many Quirinus’ in the arts, perhaps your son will have a strong creative streak.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Spear
- Pronunciation: kwee-REE-noos, kwee-REE-nus
- Variations: Quirin, Quirino
- Namesakes: Quirinus van Amelsfoort, a Dutch painter. Quirinus Harder, a Dutch architect. Quirinus Kuhlmann, a German Baroque poet and mystic.
- Popularity: Quirinus is quite rare, with about 344 bearers worldwide. It’s most popular in Indonesia.
Quirtsquip
Quirtsquip is both rare and enigmatic. It’s not certain which Native American tribe Quirtsqip originates from, but it means “chewing elk.” This one sounds like an elaboration of the English nickname Squirt — fitting for a tiny newborn.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Chewing elk
- Pronunciation: KWIRTS-kwihp
- Popularity: Quirtsquip does not appear on popularity charts.
Quissina
Quissina is unusual and might even seem a little funny. This Greenlandic moniker combines Quissik (urinated on) with the suffix “-na,” which indicates a personal name. In Greenlandic legend, there was a shaman called Quissik, so-named for a strange and otherworldly encounter with foxes disguised in human form. If you’re going with Quissina, just don’t tell your mother-in-law.
- Origin: Greenlandic
- Meaning: Urinated on
- Pronunciation: tihs-ih-NA, kihs-ih-NA
- Popularity: Quissina doesn’t rank on popularity charts as a first name but as a surname, it has one known bearer in Angola.
Quixote
Quixote was invented by Miguel de Cervantes for the protagonist of his novel Don Quixote. It’s based on the Spanish surname Quixano, an older spelling of Quijano. It comes from a village in Spain. Some suggest that Quixote means “thigh,” but the Spanish suffix “-ote” means “large/great big,” as in “muchachote” (getting very big/getting puffed up).
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: (He wants) to be large, puffed up
- Pronunciation: kee-OH-tay, kee-HOH-tay
- Popularity: Quixote is extremely rare with less than 30 bearers worldwide.
Qujana
Qujana is a younger form of the Greenlandic K’ujana, combining K’ujage and the suffix “-na” indicating a personal name. The Greenlandic “q” sounds like a soft click at the back of the throat. This may produce a sound like a tapped T — at least, to the ears of English-speakers. Show your son you treasure him with Qujana.
- Origin: Greenlandic
- Meaning: Prized, favorite, darling
- Pronunciation: tuu-ya-NA, koo-ya-NA
- Variations: K’ujana
- Popularity: Qujana has bearers in South Africa and the U.S. but is extremely rare.
Qulutaq
Qulutaq is one of the Greenlandic options for boys that means “snow bunting,” a black and (mostly) white bird inhabiting the northern hemisphere. Qulutaq derives from the older K’ulutaĸ. If you’re interested in traditional Greenlandic epithets, that one’s a classic.
- Origin: Greenlandic
- Meaning: Snow bunting
- Pronunciation: too-luu-TAK, koo-loo-TAK
- Variations: K’ulutak
- Popularity: Qulutaq is limited to Greenland, where there are less than ten bearers.
Quoc
Quoc is the Anglicized version of the Vietnamese Quốc. It stems from the Sino-Vietnamese 國 (quốc), meaning “nation, country.” If you have a patriotic streak, Quoc might be one way to express that love of country. Quoc is highly popular in Vietnam and shows up slightly less worldwide.
- Origin: Vietnamese
- Meaning: Nation, country
- Pronunciation: kWUK, WOK
- Namesakes: Quốc Thiên Trần, a Vietnamese singer. Quốc Cường Nguyễn, a Vietnamese politician. Quốc Trung Nguyễn, known as Quoc Trung, a Vietnamese composer, sound arranger, and record producer.
- Popularity: In 2014, Quoc ranked 117th in Vietnam, while in 1980, it neared the top 1,000 names in the U.S.
Quon
Quon is commonly Romanized as Guan or Kwan in Cantonese. This Chinese pick comes from the character 关 (guān), meaning “mountain pass, frontier pass.” It’s sometimes also rendered as Quan in English. Give the latest light of your life a radiant epithet like Quon.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Bright
- Pronunciation: CHOHN, KWAAN
- Variations: Guan, Kwan
- Namesakes: Quon Prater, an American internet personality.
- Popularity: Quon has over 200 bearers in the U.S. but is rare worldwide.
Quran
Quran is best known as the Islamic holy book, but the title can also double as a given and last name. It’s taken from the Arabic word “qara,” meaning “to read” or “to recite.” Thus, the Quran in the Islamic faith refers to the “(thing that is) recited/read.” As a surname, Quran is most common in Afghanistan and Iran.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Recitation, reading
- Pronunciation: kaw-RAAN, KOH-raan
- Variations: Qur’an, Qur’ān
- Popularity: Quran is most common in Pakistan, but it neared the U.S. top 1,000 names in 1990.
Qurban
Qurban resembles an Arabic version of the Hebrew “qorban.” They aren’t perfect synonyms despite being cognates (having the same linguistic root). Qurban is Arabic for “sacrifice” and refers to a sacrificial animal. It’s associated with the holiday Eid al-Adha. In Judaism, qorban wasn’t necessarily an animal sacrifice. From the root “karev” (to draw near), it meant “coming closer.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Sacrifice, sacrificial animal
- Pronunciation: kohr-BAAN, kawr-BAAN
- Variations: Gurban
- Namesakes: Qurban Qurbanov, an Azerbaijani football manager and former player. Qurban Hussain, Baron Hussain, a British-Pakistani politician. Qurban Urozgani, an Afghan governor.
- Popularity: In 2013, Qurban ranked in the top 1,000 names in Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan.
Qurbanov
Qurbanov ultimately comes from the Arabic “qurban,” meaning “sacrifice, sacrificial animal.” It’s an Azerbaijani surname that means “son of Qurban.” Qurbanov is the masculine version of this surname, while Qurbanova is feminine. Qurbanov is also a popular family name in Russia and Tajikistan.
- Origin: Azerbaijani, Arabic
- Meaning: Son of Qurban
- Pronunciation: kur-BAH-nof
- Variations: Kurbanov, Kurbanow, Kurbonov, Gurbanov
- Namesakes: Karomatullo Qurbonov, a Tajikistani pop singer. Jahon Qurbonov, a Tajikistani amateur boxer. Qurban Qurbanov, an Azerbaijani football manager and former player.
- Popularity: Qurbanov ranked in the top 100 names in Azerbaijan in 2014.
Quriñawi
Quriñawi is a Quechua and Aymara pick that means “(he who has) eyes the color of/as beautiful as gold.” As with many Quechua monikers, the pronunciation is uncertain. But if your boy has dreamy hazel or beautiful brown eyes, give Quriñawi a chance.
- Origin: Quechua, Aymara
- Meaning: Golden eyes
- Pronunciation: KUU-REE-NyA-WEE
- Popularity: Quriñawi does not show up on popularity charts.
Quron
Quron is the Uzbek spelling of Quran, meaning “recitation.” The Quran is the Islamic holy book, making this rare version a good Muslim option. Some might use Quron as a respelling of similar English names. Overall, Quron looks and sounds cool and has a spiritually inclined meaning.
- Origin: English, Uzbek
- Meaning: Recitation, Quran
- Pronunciation: kuu-RUN, koo-RON
- Namesakes: Quron Pratt, an American gridiron football player.
- Popularity: Quron is most popular in the U.S. but does not make the top 1,000 names.
Qusay
Qusay is an Old Arabic epithet that might derive from the Arabic word “qasi,” meaning “distant.” This is a highly popular choice among Muslim communities worldwide. Qusay would suit a child who often drifts off into daydreams.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Distant
- Pronunciation: koo-SHEYE
- Variations: Qusai
- Namesakes: Qusay Habib, a Syrian association footballer. Qusay al-Shaykh Askar, an Iraqi-Danish writer and literary scholar. Qusay Hussein, an Iraqi politician, military leader, and son of Saddam Hussein.
- Popularity: In 2014, Qusay was in the top 500 names in Iraq and Jordan.
Qutb
Qutb is a religiously upright option. It means “pole” or “pillar” in Arabic and can be combined with other components. When used in Qutbuddin, it literally means “pillar of the faith,” but in this instance can mean “leader of the faith.” Parents worldwide want their children to be good people. Qutb reminds them to stick to the straight and narrow.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Pole, pillar
- Pronunciation: kuu-TUUB, KOOTb, KOTb
- Variations: Qotb
- Namesakes: Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi, an influential 13th-century Persian polymath and poet. Qutb ud-Din Aibak, a Kazakh general of the Ghurid emperor, Muhammad Ghori.
- Popularity: Qutb doesn’t appear on U.S. popularity charts, but it’s common in Afghanistan and ranked in the top 1,000 names in Kuwait in 2014.
Qutuz
Qutuz comes from the 12th-century captured Turkic prince turned sultan of Egypt who was known for his wolf-like ferocity and bravery. He was nicknamed Qutuz (vicious beast/wolf-strength) by the Mongols. Wolves symbolize loyalty in Arabic culture, whereas they are associated with heaven in Mongolia. Qutuz is a powerful choice among our boy names that start with Q.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Vicious beast, strong as a wolf
- Pronunciation: KWOH-tuz
- Variations: Kutuz, Kotuz
- Namesakes: Saif ad-Din Qutuz, a Turkic military leader and a Mamluk Sultan of Egypt.
- Popularity: Qutuz is most common in Afghanistan and doesn’t appear on U.S. charts.
Quy
In Vietnamese, Quy refers to a “turtle” or comes from the Sino-Vietnamese 貴 (quý) meaning “precious, valuable.” This is derived from a Chinese surname. Quy is also an English habitational surname taken from Quy in Cambridgeshire. It’s derived from the Old English “cū” (cow) and “ēg” (island). If nothing else, Quy makes a simple and tidy middle name.
- Origin: Vietnamese, Old English
- Meaning: Turtle, precious, valuable, cow island
- Pronunciation: gWEE, WEE, KWEE
- Namesakes: Quy Van Nguyen, a Vietnamese composer and musician. Quý Võ, a Vietnamese zoologist, professor, and a Blue Planet Prize recipient.
- Popularity: In 2014, Quy ranked in the top 100 names in Vietnam.
Q Names for Boys FAQs
What Are Unique Names for Boys That Start with Q?
Some of the most unique names for boys that start with Q are Qëndrak, Qhawa, and Quriñawi.
Qëndrak is Albanian and means “one who is balanced.” It doesn’t appear on popularity charts and has no notable namesakes.
Qhawa is one of the few Q names for boys that starts with “Qh.” This rare Aymara and Quechua epithet has no famous bearers, and even its pronunciation is uncertain.
Another Aymara and Quechua moniker that doesn’t appear on charts is the unusual-looking Quriñawi. The pronunciation of this is also undetermined, but its meaning, “golden eyes,” is simply stunning.
What Is the Most Popular Boy Name That Starts with Q?
Of all the boy names that start with Q, Qing is the most common at 82nd worldwide (1). It comes from China but is often used in Taiwan, Singapore, and the U.S.
Depending on the Chinese characters used, Qing can mean “blue, green,” or “immature,” among other things.
In English-speaking countries, the most popular Q names for boys are quite different. Despite placing 44,604th internationally, Quinn is the most common in the United States at 443rd for boys. It’s also highly popular in England, Wales, New Zealand, and the Netherlands (2).
