Dear Jennifer,

We are expecting our third child next month. We have two boys, Paxton and Zephan. We love unique names and it’s important that they end in “n.” For a boy we love Quillan, which means cub. But the spelling Quillon (not listed on your site) can mean crossing swords or strong. I prefer the latter definition but am unsure of which spelling would be the more common for our newest addition when he gets older.

I’ve also read that the name was originally pronounced “kill-on” but we want it to be “quill-an” – not sure if the spelling would affect the pronunciation upon seeing the name.

Thank you so much for any direction!

Sincerely,

Randi

 

Dear Randi,

As for your first question, the name is so unique, I don’t believe either spelling will be common by any means! 

A “quillon” is originally a French word meaning one of two crossed swords. It is a derivative of the word “quille” which means club or pin. In French, the word is pronounced “kee-yawn.”  I’ve never heard of the “kill-on” pronunciation and don’t think you have to worry much about it.  Most Americans will say “KWIL-on.”

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Jennifer