170+ Last Names That Start With Q: With Meanings

Finding last names that start with Q is like finding a hidden gem. Since Q is one of the rarest letters in the alphabet, these surnames are unique and often carry fascinating histories.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of these distinct names from around the world. Whether you are researching family history, looking for a character name, or just curious about the letter Q, explore the origins and meanings behind these uncommon monikers.

23 Most Common Last Names Starting With Q

Here are the most popular last names starting with Q, along with their meanings and origins.

1. Qasem: Arabic for “one who divides goods among people,” conveying generosity and fairness.
2. Qassem: A slightly less common spelling variant of Qasem.
3. Quade: Originally a German nickname for an “evil” person or someone living near a muddy place.
4. Qualls: An English surname, possibly denoting a person who lived by a wood or forest.
5. Quan: A Chinese surname meaning “spring” or “fountain,” common in Chinese-speaking regions.
6. Quarles: This habitational name means “circle” and may be linked to someone who worked with stone.
7. Queiroz: Of Portuguese origin, this name is often associated with soccer coach Carlos Quiroz.
8. Quennell: A medieval English surname meaning “woman-battle,” borne by British poet Peter Quennell.
9. Quick: An Old English surname conveying agility, liveliness, and speed.
10. Quigley: From Irish, meaning “descendant of Coigleach” or “untidy.”
11. Quill: Traditionally associated with writing, scribes, or a person with thin legs.
12. Quincey: A variation of Quincy, linked to English writer Thomas Penson De Quincey.
13. Quincy: Meaning “estate of the fifth son,” this name is associated with several places in Normandy, France.
14. Quindlen: An uncommon surname, notably linked to American author and journalist Anna Quindlen.
15. Qingzhao: Of Chinese origin, meaning “clear” or “luminous,” often associated with poet Li Qingzhao.
16. Quinlan: From an Irish surname meaning “descendant of Caoinlean” or a given name meaning “handsome one.”
17. Quin: A concise and striking name of Irish origin, meaning “wise” or “counsel.”
18. Quinn: The most classic option among last names starting with Q, meaning “descendant of Conn” in Irish.
19. Quintana: In Spanish, this indicates a person who lived near a farmstead or estate.
20. Quintanilla: Spanish for “small estate,” found throughout Spain and South America.
21. Quintero: From Spanish, meaning “fifth” or “farmstead,” often referring to the location of a house or farm.
22. Quirke: Meaning “heart” or “center” in Irish, but also used to describe an eccentric person.
23. Quispe: A common Quechuan name meaning “free,” reflecting a proud heritage.

64 Beautiful Last Names That Start With Q

These gorgeous last names starting with Q carry an elegant charm and distinct sounds.

1. Qamari: Of Arabic origin, meaning “moon-like,” symbolizing beauty, serenity, and the celestial.
2. Qiao: In Chinese, this means “skillful” or “clever,” often associated with grace and intelligence.
3. Qin: This 3-letter Chinese surname dates back to the first imperial dynasty of China.
4. Qu: Chinese for “bend” or “curve,” reflecting an ability to thrive in various circumstances.
5. Quadeem: Arabic for “leader,” suggesting a familial legacy of leadership.
6. Quadir: Of Arabic origin, meaning “powerful” or “capable,” signifying strength and authority.
7. Quaglia: Italian for “quail,” reflecting the beauty of the natural world.
8. Quaint: English in origin, often associated with something pleasantly old-fashioned or clever.
9. Quaintance: An English nickname for a friend or acquaintance, now a rare surname.
10. Quaranta: An Italian surname meaning “forty,” associated with an ancient and noble family.
11. Quaresma: Portuguese for “Lent,” referencing a period of reflection and renewal in the Christian faith.
12. Quarrington: A classy option among Q last names, possibly relating to quarries.
13. Quarry: This surname initially indicated a place from which stone is extracted.
14. Quartararo: An Italian surname thought to have historical ties to craftsmen or measurements.
15. Quartey: A common surname among the Ga people in Ghana.
16. Quay: This 4-letter surname is common in Singapore among the Chinese community.
17. Quayson: Of Ghanaian origin, linked to literary critic and Stanford professor Ato Quayson.
18. Quddous: Arabic for “most holy,” carrying a deep spiritual significance.
19. Quebec: Named after the Canadian province, giving bearers a strong sense of place and identity.
20. Queen: A powerful option among surnames starting with Q, signifying royalty and leadership.
21. Queirós: Of Portuguese origin, affiliated with noteworthy writer Eça de Queirós.
22. Queiroz: A variation of the Portuguese surname Queirós.
23. Quelch: From the Old English “woelisc,” referencing a “Celt” or a “foreigner.”
24. Quenault: A locational name of French origin, likely derived from “quesne” (oak).
25. Quenby: Of Old Norse origin, meaning “womanly,” blending strength with feminine grace.
26. Queneau: A rare French surname borne by novelist Raymond Queneau.
27. Quent: Likely a modern diminutive of Quentin, meaning “fifth.”
28. Quentin: Latin for “fifth,” offering a classic, Roman feel.
29. Quenzler: A cool German surname from “Künzeln,” meaning “curl” or “entwine.”
30. Quercia: A beautiful Italian surname meaning “oak,” giving it a natural, sturdy feel.
31. Quereau: With a soft, appealing sound, this is found stateside but suggests French ancestry.
32. Querido: The Spanish and Portuguese word for “beloved,” making for a charming surname.
33. Queripel: From French, originally a nickname for an uncooperative person.
34. Querry: Likely a unique variation of Quarry, related to rocks and stone work.
35. Quéry: This surname may come from Quiéry-la-Motte or other places in northwestern France.
36. Quest: An English word and surname related to a journey, search, or adventure.
37. Quested: From the English word “quest,” a good choice for families that love adventure.
38. Quetant: A sophisticated option among Q last names, first found in Normandy, France.
39. Quetzal: Associated with the vibrant Central American bird, symbolizing freedom and beauty.
40. Quevedo: A Spanish surname famously borne by the Baroque nobleman and writer Francisco de Quevedo.
41. Quibell: English for “woman’s cap,” indicating a tradesman or craftsman’s lineage.
42. Quiddington: A sophisticated option hailing from Chiddingstone in Kent.
43. Quilala: Likely of Filipino origin, this has a uniquely beautiful sound.
44. Quilez: From the Spanish personal name Aquileo.
45. Quillan: Gaelic for “son of Hugelin,” often linked to a prominent Irish family.
46. Quilliam: A lovely surname of Manx origin meaning “William’s son.”
47. Quillman: A strong English variation of the German surname Quillmann.
48. Quillmann: Derived from the ancient German given name Williman, meaning “will of man.”
49. Quilty: The Anglicized form of the Gaelic Caoilte, associated with a mythical Celtic warrior.
50. Quinby: A variation of Quenby, possibly meaning “womanly” in Old Norse.
51. Quine: An unusual choice borne by American philosopher Willard Van Orman Quine.
52. Quiney: A beautiful surname derived from the Old English “coenig,” meaning “king.”
53. Quinney: A cute elaboration of the Irish Quinn, meaning “wise” or “counsel.”
54. Quiñonez: Of Spanish origin, signifying a “descendant of Quiñon.”
55. Quintal: A habitational Portuguese name meaning “small country house vegetable garden.”
56. Quintana: A Spanish surname meaning “country house” or “fifth house.”
57. Quintáns: Of Galician origin, meaning “small estate.”
58. Quintas: A habitational name from several places called Quintas in Spain and Portugal.
59. Quintela: In Portugal and Galicia, Spain, this is a habitational name meaning “fifth.”
60. Quinto: Italian and Spanish for “fifth,” often denoting the fifth child born to a family.
61. Quinton: From the Latin “quintus” (fifth) or English “cwen” (queen).
62. Quintrell: Likely of English origin, meaning “queen’s settlement,” giving it a regal feel.
63. Quiterio: Portuguese, derived from the Greek Kythereia (of Cythera), relating to the goddess Aphrodite.
64. Quixley: A variation of the English surname Whixley, meaning “woodland clearing.”

87 Unique Surnames Starting With Q

If you want something truly distinct, check out these rare and unique surnames starting with Q.

1. Qabbani: Of Arabic origin, often associated with poet Nizar Qabbani.
2. Qadri: Arabic for “power” or “might,” a name that commands respect.
3. Qajar: Named after a historic royal dynasty in Persia.
4. Qazvini: Of Persian origin, referring to someone from the city of Qazvin, Iran.
5. Quackenbush: A funny option meaning “frog marsh” in Dutch.
6. Quadeer: Arabic for “powerful,” denoting a strong and commanding presence.
7. Quaid: An Irish surname from Ulster meaning “son of Uad.”
8. Quail: A gentle nature name related to the bird.
9. Qualter: An Irish surname for a “son of Walter,” showing paternal lineage.
10. Quanbeck: Likely derived from the Norwegian surname Kvambekk, meaning “small valley by the brook.”
11. Quant: A short English surname meaning “wise,” “skilled,” or “clever.”
12. Quantrill: An unusual English surname from the French “cointerel” (beau), referencing a stylish man.
13. Quaritch: Likely of British origin, possibly related to a guard or keeper of a court.
14. Quart: A distinctive English surname believed to originate from a unit of measurement.
15. Quarton: Possibly of English origin, affiliated with Irish novelist Marjorie Quarton.
16. Quartuccio: An Italian surname from an old measurement of liquid, especially oil or wine.
17. Quasar: A modern surname related to the cosmic phenomenon.
18. Quashie: A Ghanaian surname from the given name Kwasi, meaning “born on a Sunday.”
19. Quasim: Arabic for “divider” or “bringer of joy,” suggesting fairness and leadership.
20. Quasimodo: Famously associated with the protagonist of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
21. Quast: With potential German origins, this may reference a tool like a brush or a broom.
22. Quattle: Possibly a short form of the German surname Quattelbaum.
23. Quattlebaum: A German surname related to the “quince tree,” implying an unyielding nature.
24. Quayle: Likely of English origin, evoking images of the wild quail bird.
25. Que: A Chinese surname meaning “watchtower on either side of a palace gate.”
26. Queal: An Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Caollaidhe, meaning “descendant of Caollaidhe.”
27. Queally: Another variation of the Gaelic surname Ó Caollaidhe.
28. Quealy: A 6-letter Irish surname derived from Ó Cadhla, meaning “descendant of Cadhla.”
29. Queenan: From the Gaelic surname Ó Cuineáin, ultimately from “cú” (hound) or “cano” (wolf-cub).
30. Queirolo: Italian in origin, possibly related to winemaking or locksmithing.
31. Quell: A German topographic name for a person living near a spring.
32. Quenzel: Likely of German origin, meaning “small twig” or “branch,” symbolizing growth.
33. Quezada: This likely derives from the town of Quesada in Andalucia, Spain.
34. Quiballo: An unusual surname with few bearers, likely from the Philippines.
35. Quibilan: A Filipino surname with uncertain meaning, possibly relating to “perseverance.”
36. Quickenden: Possibly an English locational name or a variation of Wickenden.
37. Quickley: A variation of Quick, possibly denoting an ancestor known for their speed.
38. Quid: A 4-letter surname that likely suggests Scottish-American heritage.
39. Quider: With German roots, this was found in the U.S. between 1840 and 1920.
40. Quiel: A relatively uncommon surname found in the U.S., Canada, Scotland, and the U.K.
41. Quiett: Originally an English nickname meaning “quiet” or “peaceful.”
42. Quig: Possibly a variant of Quigg, meaning “son of Cuaid” in Irish.
43. Quigan: The origins are unknown, but possibly from Irish or Norse roots.
44. Quigg: Derives from the Gaelic surname Mac Cuaid, meaning “son of Cuaid.”
45. Quigly: A unique variation of Quigley, meaning “unruly one” in Irish.
46. Quijano: This rare beauty means “from the town of Quilius” in Spanish.
47. Quilenderino: A unique and exotic surname, almost exclusively found in the Philippines.
48. Quiles: Originally an English topographic surname for those living by specific physical features.
49. Quilici: An Italian surname, ultimately from the Latin saint name Cyriacus.
50. Quiling: The rarer form of the German patronymic surname Quilling.
51. Quiller: An English surname from the Old French “coillour” (tax collector).
52. Quiller-Couch: Associated with the British writer Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch.
53. Quillinan: Irish for “descendant of Cuileannain” or “descendant of the cub.”
54. Quillon: A powerful French surname meaning “crossed swords” and also a town in Chile.
55. Quilter: An occupational surname of English origin for someone who was a quilt maker.
56. Quimby: From Old Norse, meaning “estate of woman” or “queen’s settlement.”
57. Quimpo: Of Filipino origin, associated with activist and author Susan Quimpo.
58. Quinault: French surname famously borne by playwright and composer Philippe Quinault.
59. Quinlisk: An uncommon name, first found in Tipperary and Offaly, Ireland.
60. Quinnett: Possibly derived from the Irish Quinn, suggesting “wisdom” or “counsel.”
61. Quinones: With Spanish origins, referencing a piece of land shared by five co-tenants.
62. Quint: From the Latin word for “fifth,” originally indicating the fifth child.
63. Quintard: A rare surname linked to American clergyman Charles Quintard.
64. Quinter: A short form of the Irish Mac Quinter, meaning “son of the harpist or fiddler.”
65. Quiocho: A Filipino surname that saw increased popularity in the early 2000s.
66. Quiogue: A Filipino surname that also shares its name with a hamlet in New York.
67. Quirarte: A Spanish variation of the French name Girard, primarily found in Mexico.
68. Quirie: Likely Scottish, derived from “currie” or “corrie,” indicating a landscape feature.
69. Quirin: Germanic for “spear,” symbolizing protection, strength, and a warrior spirit.
70. Quirindongo: From the Spanish slang word “querindongo,” meaning “lover.”
71. Quirk: A unique 5-letter surname relating to uniqueness and eccentricity.
72. Quiroga: Of Galician origin, related to Uruguayan playwright Horacio Quiroga.
73. Quisenberry: Possibly English, affiliated with American baseball pitcher Dan Quisenberry.
74. Quist: A Swedish surname derived from “kvist,” meaning “twig” or “branch.”
75. Quisumbing: Of Chinese origin from the Minnan language, often used in the Philippines.
76. Quitter: A funny variation of the English surname Whitter, meaning “to whiten.”
77. Quivey: Derives from the Irish surname Ó Coinne, meaning “descendant of Coinne.”
78. Quizon: Meaning “grandchild,” this cool surname is of Chinese-Filipino origin.
79. Qunta: A rare South African name borne by writer and lawyer Christine Qunta.
80. Quock: A variant of the Cantonese name Kwok, meaning “country.”
81. Quodling: An Anglo-Saxon name initially given to fishermen.
82. Quoniam: Either from the Latin “quoniam” (since) or the Old French “conin” (rabbit).
83. Qurashi: Suggests a connection with the Quraysh tribe, emphasizing a rich Arabic lineage.
84. Qureshi: An Arabic choice for descendants of the Quraysh tribe.
85. Qutb: Arabic for “pole” or “axis,” often used to denote a spiritual leader.
86. Quye: With English roots, this originated in a place called Quy in Cambridgeshire.
87. Qvitzow: A unique surname likely originating in Germany or Scandinavia.

Last Names That Start With Q FAQs

Why Are Last Names Starting With Q So Rare?

Last names starting with Q are rare because Q is one of the least frequently used letters in the English alphabet. It often requires the letter U to follow, which limits the number of natural word combinations in many European languages. Since surnames evolved from occupations, locations, and nicknames, there simply weren’t many “Q” words to draw from.

What Are Variations of the Surname Quinn?

The surname Quinn, rooted in the Irish “O’Cuinn” (meaning “descendant of Conn”), has several variations. Common spellings include Quin, Quinne, and McQuinn, which often appears in families with Scottish ancestry. Anglicized versions like O’Quinn or Quinlan also exist. Each variant preserves the original meaning of wisdom and intelligence while marking distinct family lines.

Which Are the Rarest Surnames Starting With Q?

Some of the rarest surnames starting with Q include Quixley, a variation of Whixley, and unique Filipino names like Quilenderino and Quiogue. Quirindongo, a Spanish name derived from a slang word for “lover,” is also exceptionally uncommon. Generally, unless the name is Quinn or Quintero, a Q surname is considered a rarity in most parts of the world.

What Is the Most Popular Last Name Starting With Q?

Quinn is widely considered the most popular last name starting with Q in English-speaking countries, particularly in Ireland, the US, and the UK. In Spanish-speaking regions, Quintero, Quezada, and Quiroz are highly common.

Are There Any Famous People With Last Names Starting With Q?

Yes, there are several famous people with Q surnames. Notable examples include actors Dennis Quaid and Anthony Quinn, music producer Quincy Jones, and legendary rock band Queen (though that is a band name, not a surname). In the literary world, you have author Anna Quindlen.