Last Name Quaid

The surname Quaid is of Scottish and Irish descent. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Cuide" which means 'descendant of Cuide'. The name Cuide or Coite was a personal name derived from 'cuidhe', meaning friend, companion, or helper in the Celtic language. This name and its variants were especially numerous in Ireland where it was often found among the Gaelic-speaking people living in the counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Monaghan, and Fermanagh. It is also found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands. The Quaid family has had a significant presence in both countries, with members playing important roles in Irish and Scottish history. In modern times, notable bearers of the surname include actor Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid, and Conor Quaid.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quaid

The meaning and origin of the last name Quaid

The surname Quaid is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "O'Cuada," which translates to "descendant of Cuadh" or "hound." This surname was primarily found in Ireland, particularly in County Mayo and County Clare. The original bearers of this name were likely members of a particular sept (clan) who traced their ancestry back to Cuadh, a legendary chieftain or warrior. Over time, as Irish families emigrated due to political instability and economic hardship, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname Quaid evolved slightly. Today, it is a common name among Irish and Scottish descendants, with notable figures such as actor Dennis Quaid and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush (originally von Koudenhove-Kalergi) bearing the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quaid

The last name Quaid is primarily distributed across several regions, with notable concentrations in Ireland and Scotland, due to its Gaelic origin. It is also prevalent among descendants of Scottish and Irish immigrants in North America, particularly in the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Significant populations can be found in counties such as Kerry, Clare, and Cork in Ireland, and Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, and Inverness-shire in Scotland. Over time, the name has spread globally through diaspora movements, with substantial communities of people bearing the Quaid surname in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various countries in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quaid

The surname Quaid has multiple variations and spellings. These include: Quade, Kwade, Kwaide, Koide, Coad, Coade, Coadey, Cwaide, Cuade, and Kaide. Some of these variations may be more common in certain regions or countries. For instance, the spelling "Quade" is most prevalent in Australia, while "Coade" is popular in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the name can also be found as O'Quaid, MacQuade, and McQuade, which are Gaelic derivatives of the original name. It is important to note that each variation may have its unique origins and history, reflecting the diversity and migration patterns of the Quaid family over time.

Famous people with the last name Quaid

Rashida Jones and Dennis Quaid are among the most notable individuals bearing the surname Quaid. Rashida Jones, born on February 25, 1976, is an American actress, comedian, singer-songwriter, and daughter of musician Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton. She gained popularity for her roles in TV series like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation," as well as films such as "I Love You, Man" and "The Social Network."

Dennis Quaid, born on April 9, 1954, is a prolific American actor. His filmography spans over four decades, with prominent roles in notable films like "Breaking Away," "The Right Stuff," "Innerspace," "Great Balls of Fire!," and "The Day After Tomorrow." Quaid's performances have earned him an Emmy nomination and three Golden Globe nominations. Both Rashida Jones and Dennis Quaid continue to make significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and talent within the Quaid family.

Genealogical research on the last name Quaid

The surname Quaid is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "O Cuide" meaning "descendant of Cuide," a personal name thought to mean "war-like." The clan O Cuide was primarily based in County Clare and County Limerick, Ireland. Famous individuals bearing the name include actors Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid, and their sister, actresses Cynthia Quaid. Their father, William Rudy Quaid, was a real estate developer and businessman. The family can be traced back to Hugh O Cuide, who lived in Ireland during the 1600s. The name later migrated to America, with notable arrivals like Thomas Quaid in 1732 and Cornelius Quade in 1849, the latter changing his surname to Quaid upon arrival. The Quaid family has maintained a strong Irish-American presence, particularly in Chicago and Texas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quaid"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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