French Names that Start With Q

Quirky in the way that all Q names are quirky, Quincy was once a buttoned-up, patrician New England name, an image countered in recent years by the talented and ultracool musician Quincy Jones (middle name: Delight; nickname: Q).

Quincy is a Presidential surname name that actually sounds both cute and strong when used for a girl. For the first time ever, Quincy joined the Top 1000 roster for girls in 2023, given to over 250 baby girls that year.

A name that looks intriguing and masculine on paper, but is, unfortunately, a homonym for a girl's name.

Truly offbeat, but just on the brink of outré.

We can think of two drawbacks to this name: the slightly feminine el ending, and the resemblance to the delicate dumpling called a quenelle.

Qué is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be derived from the Spanish word "qué," meaning "what." As a name, it may have emerged as a modern, unique choice or possibly as a shortened form of a longer name. The pronunciation would likely follow Spanish language rules (keh). Due to its rarity, Qué doesn't appear in most traditional name databases or popularity rankings. Parents might choose this distinctive name for its brevity, simplicity in spelling, or its Spanish language connections. Cross-culturally, its interrogative meaning in Spanish might create interesting conversations about the name's origin and selection.

Quintille is a rare masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'quintus' meaning 'fifth.' In ancient Rome, it was traditionally given to the fifth child or to boys born in the fifth month of the Roman calendar (July). The name carries an aristocratic, scholarly quality with its classical roots. Quintille represents a more elaborate variation of the more familiar Quintin or Quintus. Despite its historical connections, Quintille remains exceptionally uncommon in modern usage, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical elegance and historical depth. The name's mellifluous sound and unique character offer a sophisticated alternative to more common Q-names while maintaining clear pronunciation and spelling.

Quentilien is a rare masculine name that appears to be an elaborate extension of Quentin, which derives from the Latin name Quintinus, meaning 'fifth.' The addition of the '-ilien' suffix creates a name with a French aesthetic and literary quality. While not widely documented in naming traditions, it evokes comparisons to ancient Roman names and medieval French naming patterns. The name carries a sophisticated, scholarly impression with its unusual construction and rhythmic flow. Quentilien might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with classical undertones. Its rarity means it has little statistical presence in naming records, but it maintains connections to the more familiar Quentin while offering a distinctly more elaborate and formal alternative.

Qassen is a masculine name primarily found in Arabic-speaking regions and parts of North Africa. The name likely derives from Arabic roots related to concepts of division, distribution, or apportionment. In some contexts, it may be connected to fairness or justice. Qassen remains relatively uncommon even within Arabic-speaking communities, giving it a distinctive quality. The name features the characteristic 'Q' sound found in many Arabic names, though regional pronunciations vary. While traditional in its origins, Qassen has a contemporary sound that travels well across cultural boundaries. The spelling may also appear as Qasim, Kassem, or Casim in different transliterations. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity within cultures where it appears.

Qassim is a masculine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root 'qasama' meaning 'to divide' or 'to distribute,' often interpreted as 'one who divides justly.' This name has deep historical roots in Islamic tradition, as Al-Qasim was one of the sons of the Prophet Muhammad. The name is widely used throughout the Arab world and Muslim communities globally, with spelling variations including Qasim, Kassim, and Casim. Qassim is also the name of a province and city in Saudi Arabia, adding geographical significance. The name carries connotations of fairness, justice, and equitable treatment of others. While not common in Western countries, Qassim has maintained consistent usage among Muslim families who appreciate its religious significance and cultural heritage.

Sounds too much like the name of a minivan.

Qutien is a masculine name with possible roots in Chinese or Central Asian origins, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name may be derived from Mandarin Chinese elements, potentially combining syllables that signify positive attributes like strength, heaven, or excellence. In some contexts, it might be a variant transliteration of traditional names with similar phonetic qualities. Qutien has a distinctive, modern sound that appeals to parents seeking unique international names. The name's rarity gives it an exclusive quality, allowing a child to have a truly distinctive identity. While specific meaning can vary based on the exact characters used in Chinese or the cultural context, Qutien generally projects qualities of uniqueness and cultural distinction.

Quintilin is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from 'Quintus' meaning 'fifth.' It was traditionally given to the fifth child born in a family in ancient Roman culture. This elaboration of Quintin adds an extra syllable, giving it a more flowing, distinctive quality. While never widely popular in modern times, Quintilin carries an air of classical sophistication and uniqueness. The name maintains connections to Roman heritage while offering parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth an attractive option. The similar forms Quintin and Quentin have seen more widespread use, but Quintilin remains a rare and distinguished choice for those drawn to names with classical origins.