NameCensus.

UK surname

Quinlan

An Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Caoindealbháin, meaning "descendant of Caoindealbhán" (a personal name meaning "handsome").

In the 1881 census there were 651 people recorded with the Quinlan surname, ranking it #5,488 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,022, ranked #3,184, up from #5,488 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Rochdale, London parishes and Lambeth. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Oldham, Brent and Ryedale.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Quinlan is 2,070 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 210.6%.

1881 census count

651

Ranked #5,488

Modern count

2,022

2016, ranked #3,184

Peak year

2010

2,070 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Quinlan had 651 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #5,488 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,022 in 2016, ranked #3,184.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 986 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Challenged Communities.

Quinlan surname distribution map

The map shows where the Quinlan surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Quinlan surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Quinlan over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 235 #9,206
1861 historical 246 #10,010
1881 historical 651 #5,488
1891 historical 714 #5,514
1901 historical 967 #4,870
1911 historical 986 #4,595
1997 modern 1,929 #3,136
1998 modern 2,029 #3,125
1999 modern 2,050 #3,120
2000 modern 2,014 #3,149
2001 modern 2,000 #3,116
2002 modern 2,028 #3,137
2003 modern 2,045 #3,058
2004 modern 2,054 #3,051
2005 modern 1,971 #3,126
2006 modern 1,934 #3,186
2007 modern 1,923 #3,221
2008 modern 1,921 #3,243
2009 modern 2,002 #3,210
2010 modern 2,070 #3,183
2011 modern 2,016 #3,217
2012 modern 2,011 #3,181
2013 modern 2,053 #3,175
2014 modern 2,061 #3,183
2015 modern 2,044 #3,166
2016 modern 2,022 #3,184

Geography

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Where Quinlans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Rochdale, London parishes, Lambeth and St Marylebone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Oldham, Brent, Ryedale and Merthyr Tydfil. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Rochdale Lancashire
2 London parishes London 1
3 London parishes London 3
4 Lambeth London (South Districts)
5 St Marylebone London (North Districts)

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Oldham 030 Oldham
2 Oldham 027 Oldham
3 Brent 025 Brent
4 Ryedale 002 Ryedale
5 Merthyr Tydfil 005 Merthyr Tydfil

Forenames

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First names often paired with Quinlan

These lists show first names that appear often with the Quinlan surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Quinlan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Quinlan, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Baseline UK

Group

Challenged Communities

Nationally, the Quinlan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Challenged Communities, within Baseline UK. This does not mean every Quinlan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Residents of these neighbourhoods typically live in households with dependent children, and there are fewer-than-average residents of normal retirement age or over. Identification with ethnic minorities, particularly Black, or Mixed or Multiple ethnicities is common. The rate of Christian religious affiliation is low. Housing predominantly consists of semi-detached houses, along with a significant number of terraced properties and flats. Overcrowded social housing is common, and private renting occurs at average UK levels. Those in employment work mainly in caring leisure and other services; process, plant and machine operation; or elementary occupations. Unemployment is high, and few individuals have degree level qualifications. Many of these neighbourhoods occur in commuter towns or less accessible areas of larger towns and cities.

Wider pattern

This Supergroup exemplifies the broad base to the UK’s social structure, encompassing as it does the average or modal levels of many neighbourhood characteristics, including all housing tenures, a range of levels of educational attainment and religious affiliations, and a variety of pre-retirement age structures. Yet, in combination, these mixes are each distinctive of the parts of the UK. Overall, terraced houses and flats are the most prevalent, as is employment in intermediate or low-skilled occupations. However, this Supergroup is also characterised by above average levels of unemployment and lower levels of use of English as the main language. Many neighbourhoods occur in south London and the UK’s other major urban centres.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Quinlan is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Quinlan is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Quinlan falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Quinlan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Quinlan, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Quinlan

The surname Quinlan is of Irish origin, with its roots tracing back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Caolán," which means "slender" or "thin." The name was initially found in County Laois and the surrounding regions of Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Quinlan can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 17th century. The annals mention a notable figure named Quinlan O'Fionnain, who was a prominent chieftain in County Laois during the 13th century.

In the 16th century, the Quinlan family established themselves as landowners in County Clare, particularly in the area around Ennis. A notable member of the family during this time was Donough Quinlan, who served as the Mayor of Ennis in the late 1500s.

As the name spread across Ireland, various spelling variations emerged, including Quinlan, Quinlin, Quinnland, and Quinlivan. These variations reflect the linguistic evolution of the name and the regional dialects in which it was used.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in America can be found in the 17th century, when several individuals with the surname Quinlan were documented as settlers in the colonies of Maryland and Virginia.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the surname Quinlan. One prominent example is John Quinlan (1859-1920), an Irish-American businessman and politician who served as the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1899 to 1900.

Another notable figure was Michael Joseph Quinlan (1885-1965), an Irish-born Catholic priest who served as the Bishop of Gatton in Queensland, Australia, from 1934 to 1965.

In the field of literature, Maurice Quinlan (1892-1975) was an Irish writer and journalist known for his works on Irish history and culture.

In the realm of sports, John Quinlan (1912-1983) was an Irish hurler who played for the Kilkenny senior team and won three All-Ireland medals during his career.

More recently, Kathleen Quinlan (born 1954) is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "American Graffiti" and "Apollo 13."

While the surname Quinlan has its roots in Ireland, it has since spread across the globe, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in various fields throughout history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Quinlan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Quinlan surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 172 Quinlans recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.25x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 172 2.25x
Middlesex 145 2.25x
Surrey 91 2.90x
Yorkshire 62 0.97x
Essex 27 2.12x
Kent 24 1.09x
Hampshire 21 1.59x
Cheshire 16 1.13x
Glamorgan 15 1.34x
Devon 13 0.97x
Somerset 10 0.96x
Lanarkshire 9 0.43x
Monmouthshire 7 1.50x
Sussex 7 0.64x
Ayrshire 6 1.25x
Channel Islands 6 3.15x
Durham 4 0.21x
Staffordshire 4 0.18x
Buckinghamshire 3 0.77x
Dorset 3 0.71x
Gloucestershire 3 0.24x
Warwickshire 3 0.18x
Royal Navy 2 2.61x
Cumberland 1 0.18x
Derbyshire 1 0.10x
Hertfordshire 1 0.23x
Midlothian 1 0.12x
Northumberland 1 0.10x
Nottinghamshire 1 0.12x
Renfrewshire 1 0.20x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Bermondsey in Surrey leads with 25 Quinlans recorded in 1881 and an index of 13.04x.

Place Total Index
Bermondsey 25 13.04x
West Ham 21 7.48x
Leeds 20 5.55x
Lambeth 19 3.38x
Oldham 19 7.71x
St Marylebone London 19 5.53x
Islington London 16 2.56x
Liverpool 15 3.23x
Wigan 15 14.05x
Accrington 14 20.16x
Battersea 13 5.49x
Blackburn 12 5.90x
Chorlton On Medlock 12 9.89x
St Andrew Holborn 12 54.97x
Merthyr Tydfil 10 9.28x
Plymouth St Andrew 10 9.69x
St George In East 10 22.84x
St Pancras London 10 1.93x
Walton On Hill 10 24.16x
Bentham 9 185.19x
Hollingworth 9 153.58x
Manchester 9 2.62x
Plumstead 9 12.29x
Tooting Graveney 9 103.09x
Hackney London 8 2.22x
Ratcliffe London 8 22.50x
Salford 8 3.56x
Halliwell 7 25.18x
Kirkdale 7 5.45x
Manningham 7 8.91x
Newington 7 2.94x
Sharples 7 84.44x
St George Hanover 7 8.33x
Ashton Under Lyne 6 3.59x
Bow London 6 7.32x
Brighton 6 2.74x
Bury 6 6.88x
Camberwell 6 1.46x
Dalmellington 6 42.34x
Farnborough 6 43.29x
Heston 6 28.06x
Holy Trinity 6 3.91x
Taunton St Mary 6 31.55x
Bradford 5 13.98x
Fulham London 5 5.36x
Greenwich 5 4.88x
Heap 5 12.34x
Hunslet 5 5.03x
Kimberworth 5 14.12x
Mile End Old Town 5 4.92x
Deptford St Paul 4 2.36x
Kensington London 4 1.12x
Kingswinford 4 5.07x
Old Monkland 4 4.84x
Portsea 4 1.55x
Sheffield 4 1.97x
St Anne 4 117.30x
Aldershot 3 6.79x
Altrincham 3 12.08x
Birkenhead 3 2.65x
Bishopwearmouth 3 1.82x
Chelsea London 3 1.55x
Croydon 3 1.72x
Cwmdu 3 21.96x
Govan 3 0.58x
Hammersmith London 3 1.89x
Horton In Bradford 3 3.01x
Ingleton 3 83.57x
Millbrook 3 9.03x
Streatham 3 6.28x
Trevethin 3 6.83x
Upper Llanvrechva 3 41.49x
Upton Cum Chalvey 3 19.34x
Westminster St James 3 4.53x
Whitechapel London 3 4.73x
Charlton Next Woolwich 2 8.73x
Gravesend 2 10.75x
St Gilesin Fields 2 53.33x
Stapleton 2 8.35x
Tyneham 2 327.87x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Quinlan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 66
Ellen 26
Catherine 20
Margaret 19
Elizabeth 17
Bridget 12
Ann 10
Eliza 8
Alice 7
Annie 7
Jane 7
Agnes 5
Kate 5
Emma 4
Isabella 4
Edith 3
Emily 3
Fanny 3
Julia 3
Maria 3
Norah 3
Ada 2
Amelia 2
Anne 2
Florence 2
Frances 2
Harriet 2
Kathleen 2
Louisa 2
Margret 2
Margt. 2
Rose 2
Sarah 2
Susan 2
Adelaide 1
Alicia 1
Aunstilda 1
Bridge 1
Bryanna 1
Elen 1
Elizth. 1
Ellenor 1
Ethel 1
Helen 1
Honora 1
Isabel 1
Johannah 1
Josephine 1
Justina 1
Teressa 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Quinlan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 61
Thomas 36
James 34
Michael 22
William 21
Patrick 16
Daniel 11
Edward 11
Joseph 7
David 6
Peter 6
Charles 5
George 5
Henry 5
Timothy 5
Alfred 4
Andrew 4
Arthur 4
Dennis 4
Harry 4
Martin 4
Maurice 4
Cornelius 3
Hiram 3
Robert 3
J. 2
Matthew 2
Tetherton 2
W. 2
Willie 2
Wm. 2
Augustus 1
Bartholomew 1
Christopher 1
D. 1
Denis 1
Edwin 1
Eugene 1
Fred. 1
Gerald 1
Jeramiah 1
Jeremiah 1
Marrio 1
Mathew 1
Migeal 1
Mike 1
Mitchell 1
Percy 1
Richard 1
Robt. 1

FAQ

Quinlan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Quinlan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 651 people were recorded with the Quinlan surname. That placed it at #5,488 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Quinlan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,022 in 2016. That gives Quinlan a modern rank of #3,184.

What does the Quinlan surname mean?

An Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Caoindealbháin, meaning "descendant of Caoindealbhán" (a personal name meaning "handsome").

What does the Quinlan map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Quinlan bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.