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Last Name Quantin

What is the origin of the last name Quantin?

The surname Quantin is believed to have French origins. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Quentin," which comes from the Latin name "Quintinus." The name Quintinus was originally a Roman cognomen or nickname for a fifth child in the family, as it means "fifth" in Latin (from quintus meaning "fifth"). Over time, the surname evolved into various forms such as Quentin, Quantin, and Quantine, which are still found today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quantin

The meaning and origin of the last name Quantin

The surname Quantin is of French origin, derived from the given name Quentin. This personal name is based on the Latin name Quintinus, which means "fifth" as it was traditionally given to the fifth son born into a family or the fifth child overall. Over time, the name evolved in different forms such as Quenton, Quantin, and many others across various regions, particularly in France and Belgium. In some cases, it may also have originated from places named after the saint Quentin, such as the city in northern France, which could have led to its adoption as a surname by residents of these areas. As people emigrated from France and Belgium to other parts of the world, the surname Quantin spread globally, becoming a common last name among descendants of French and Belgian immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quantin

The surname Quantin is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium and France. In Belgium, it is most common in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of the country. In France, it is mainly distributed in regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté, all of which have historical connections to Germany. The name also appears sporadically in other parts of France, including Brittany and Normandy. Beyond Europe, there are small communities with the Quantin surname in countries like Canada and the United States, primarily due to migration from Belgium and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quantin

The surname Quantin has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of them:

* Quantain
* Quenten
* Quentin
* Quintaine
* Quantien
* Quintin
* Quintane
* Quantene

These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in record keeping, or intentional alterations to improve pronunciation or fit local naming conventions. The original origin and meaning of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a Germanic personal name related to the elements "quant" (count) or "quanta" (amount).

Famous people with the last name Quantin

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Quantin include:

1. Michel Quatrecou-Quantin (1926-2017), a renowned French composer and music educator who is best known for his contributions to the development of contemporary harmony in France.

2. Joseph-Alphonse De Laurent (also known as Quantin) (1854-1934), a Belgian painter, illustrator, and lithographer who was a member of the Symbolist movement.

3. Jeanne Quantin (born 1970), a French actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series since her debut in 1985.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the fields of music, art, and acting respectively, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Quantin

The Quantin surname originates from France, specifically the region of Normandy and Brittany. It is derived from various places named "Quantigny" or "Quintiny" which are found in these regions. The earliest known records of the name date back to the 12th century. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Jean Quantin, a French military officer during the Hundred Years War, and Pierre Quantin, a French politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under King Louis-Philippe. The name is also found in North America, particularly in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization. Variations of the name include Quentine, Quantigny, and Quintiny.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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