Last Name Quie

The surname Quie is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "Quier" or "Cuer," which means heart. Over time, it has been anglicized and transformed into various spellings like Quey, Quee, Kee, and Kwey among others. The name was brought to England by Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and eventually spread across Europe, including Scandinavia and the British Isles.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quie

The meaning and origin of the last name Quie

The surname Quie is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian, deriving from the Old Norse personal name "Ketil" or "Kjetti". This name was originally a byname referring to someone who was short and stout, derived from the word "ketil," which means cauldron due to its round and deep shape resembling a person with a large belly. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings, including Quie, Kvie, and Qui. The surname Quie can also be found in other Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark, having been brought there by Viking settlers or through migration during medieval times. Today, the surname is rare but still found primarily among Norwegian and Scandinavian populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quie

The last name Quie, of Chinese origin and meaning "chef" or "cook," is predominantly found among the Hakka people, an ethnic subgroup of Chinese origin who originated from southeastern China. The distribution of the surname Quie is most concentrated in China, particularly in provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, Hunan, and Zhejiang. However, it has also spread globally due to migration, with significant populations in countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In these diaspora communities, Quie is often romanized or anglicized differently depending on the country, such as Kuei, Quey, or Chuey.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quie

The surname Quie has several variants and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional variations over time. Here are some common variations:

* Kwee (pronounced 'kway') is a Dutch-influenced variant of the original Chinese name ui/Qiu Suyi.
* Chi or Chy (pronounced 'chee') can also be derived from the same Chinese roots, but with possible Scandinavian influence.
* Key or Keigh is a less common variation that may have developed due to phonetic changes in English-speaking regions.
* Qua or Kua are variations found in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, often representing immigrants from China.
* Qui is a simplified spelling that has been adopted by some individuals for ease of use and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Quie

Notable individuals with the surname Quie include:

1. Al Quie (born 1932), an American politician who served as the 48th Governor of Minnesota from 1979 to 1983.
2. Lee Duk-hee (born Quie Sung-jun, 1965), a South Korean speed skater who won four Olympic medals and multiple World Championship titles in the 1980s and 1990s.
3. Robert Quie (1927–2014), an American chemist known for his work on the coordination chemistry of transition metals, particularly molybdenum compounds. He won the National Medal of Science in 1986.
4. William Quie (1915–2011), a Hmong American lawyer and jurist who served as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. In 1974, he became the first Asian American federal judge in the United States.

These individuals have made significant contributions to politics, sports, science, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Quie

The surname Quie originates from Norway and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Kjotr or Kjetil, which means "warrior" or "fighter." It was primarily found in Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties. The earliest recorded instance of the name in Norway dates back to the 14th century.

Over time, individuals bearing the Quie surname emigrated from Norway to other parts of Europe and the Americas, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to factors such as economic hardship and political instability in Norway. The majority of these immigrants settled in the United States, with significant populations found in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.

In the U.S., many Quie descendants continue to maintain their Norwegian heritage through cultural activities, genealogical research, and organizations that celebrate Scandinavian heritage. Some notable individuals bearing the name include American politician David D. Quie, who served in the Minnesota State Senate, and Norwegian writer Rolf Edvard Quie, known for his works on the history of Vest-Agder.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quie"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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