Questioning which baby name is the right one for your little QT? If you want something super rare, you might consider a baby name that starts with Q. The seventeenth letter of the alphabet is bursting with quality baby name ideas to consider. 

Whether sticking with a known name like Quinn, trying something regal like Queen, or going off the map into the territory of a Canadian Province, we’ll stock your Q baby name list with the best of the best Q names.

Girl Baby Names That Start With Q

Queena: It’s a step off Queen, but with the same royal connotation. Your little girl is going to rule the household anyway, so why not give her a name that fits?

Quella: Love Ella but want something rarer? This beauty could be a contender. In Italian, the word quella means “that,” used to point out an object or idea that’s being discussed. The technical translation of Quella as a baby name is “to pacify”— with possible roots to the Latin for “from the castle.”  

Quenna: We love this pretty pick, which sounds similar to Gwenna but with the variable of the Q in the first position. It also means “queen.”  

Quianna: With names like Brianna and Tiana on the rise, this little “q-tie” could be perfect for your girl. It is a modern invented name that burst on the scene in the 1970’s as a type of polyester fabric and has a cool vintage feel accordingly. 

Quinley: Another modern name combining Quinn with the suffix “ley” for feminine drama, it means “clearing” or “meadow.”

Quintara: Q’s are much more common in Spanish-language first names, and this sweetness is a favorite, meaning “fifth girl.” If this does happen to be your fifth daughter or a fifth cousin or grandchild for the family, it’s a no-brainer.

Quintessence: The cool-kid word name for a prototype or perfect example of something has an elevated level of sophistication and drama that we’re not mad at! 

Quiterie: This French stunner is a saint’s name meaning “the red one,” and it’s sure to stand out in a crowd. 


Boy Baby Names That Start With Q

Quantum: You might instantly think of physics, but this quirky word name for boys originally stems from the Latin, meaning “how much.”

Quantrell: It’s got a certain quality to it that we’re here for--handsome, illustrious, and rolls right off the tongue…this stylish baby boy name is a modern invention. 

Quarto: It has Latin origins, meaning “four” or “fourth” in more than one language including Italian. However, quarto is also an obscure book term, applying to a small size of printed books from centuries ago. 

Quennel: An adorable French baby boy name meaning “dweller by the little oak tree.” 

Quicksilver: Not one you hear every day, this English word name which functions as an alternate name for the element Mercury is about as edgy as it is fun. 

Quigley: If you’re picturing a monocle and elbow patches, you’re not alone. But just like Watson and Calvin, this one is so “grandpa,” it just might be cool again. The Irish name means, “from the mother’s side,” (which is where he’ll get his good looks after all, right?).

Quimby: Every once in a while you come across a baby name that makes you say, Aw! This is one of those! Quimby means “from the woman’s estate” in Norse.

Qwade: Very rarely is there a Q name that doesn’t feature a “u” in the second position; this one is thus extra-unique and is a Latin familial name. 


Gender-Neutral Baby Names That Start With Q

Quarry: It would be a pretty choice for parents considering a rare nature name; the word quarry refers to a large, open pit built into rock.  

Quay: We love a unique nature name, and this one meaning “wharf” with French roots is just perfect for a boy or girl. 

Quebec: The Canadian Province holds weight as a charming place name for babies; the name Quebec itself stemmed from the Algonquin word for a narrow passageway or strait. 

Quentin: It’s one of the better-known names on our Q list, meaning “fifth” in Latin.

Quest: Such a cool gender-neutral word name for Baby, this one evokes a sense of travel, adventure, and learning along the way. 

Quill: Lit lovers might go wild for this antique-feeling word name that refers most notably to the old school writing device made of a long feather. 

Quincey: The French-via-Latin baby boy or girl name translates to “estate of the fifth son” for bougie beginnings and a cute sound. 

Quinlan: Anything “Quinn” related is a definite yes, and this cute pick meaning “slender” with Irish roots sounds just as sweet for a boy or girl. Quindlen is a similar Q name to consider.  

Quinn: We round out our list with what’s possibly the most popular Q name of all; a charming Irish boy or girl name referring to a leader or person of strong intelligence.

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More Baby Name Inspiration:

About Jenny Studenroth Gerson

Jenny Studenroth Gerson is an Atlanta-based lifestyle journalist and novelist (Let Me Let You Go, 2020). Her work can be seen in publications including HuffPost, Cosmo, and WSJ, among many others. Jenny has researched thousands of baby names, combed through hundreds of nursery designs, and curated dozens of baby shower guides, making her absolutely the mom—and writer—you want to talk to when planning for Baby. When not meeting deadlines, she is chasing toddlers or chugging coffee—or both! Find her on Instagram @ourlifeinrosegold for mom hacks and more.

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