Quentin is of French origin, derived from the Latin word 'quantus', which means 'how much'. It was originally used as an adjective to describe someone who was very large or strong. The name Quentin gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages and was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
In literature, Quentin is perhaps most famously known from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby". The character of Tom Buchanan, Gatsby's rival, has a cousin named Quentin, who serves as the story's narrator in the original version of the manuscript. This association with the Jazz Age and American literature may have contributed to the name's popularity in English-speaking countries.
Quentin has been used more frequently as a given name since the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It reached its peak popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s but has since declined slightly. Despite this, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name.
In terms of famous bearers of the name, Quentin Tarantino is perhaps the most well-known. The American filmmaker is known for his distinctive style and nonlinear storytelling in films like "Pulp Fiction", "Kill Bill", and "The Hateful Eight". Other notable figures with the name include French tennis player Quentin Halys, Belgian musician Quentin Mosimann, and American football coach Quentin Coryatt.
Overall, Quentin is a unique and historical name with roots tracing back to medieval France. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time but remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Quentin saw a peak in popularity during the late 70s and early 80s with consistently high numbers of births each year from 1977 to 1989, with a total of 31 births over this period. However, its popularity declined significantly after 1989, with no recorded births between 1990 and 1996, followed by a single birth in 1997.