- Origin: Etruscan
- Meaning: Unknown
- Gender: Male
Tarquin is the English form of Tarquinius, the Latin family name of a powerful Etruscan dynasty that ruled early Rome. The name’s exact Etruscan root is uncertain, but it may derive from the ancient city of Tarquinii (modern Tarquinia) in central Italy, itself probably from an older Etruscan personal or place name.
Two Roman kings bore this name: Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, the fifth king of Rome, and Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the seventh and last king, whose overthrow in 509 BCE led to the founding of the Roman Republic.
While rare, Tarquin appears in English records from the Renaissance onward, often chosen for its aristocratic and classical resonance. Italian retains Tarquino as a given name. The name has also been used in literature and drama —Shakespeare famously tells the story of “The Rape of Lucrece” by Tarquin. It was recently used as the name of Tarquin Blackwood in Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles.
Modern bearers include British journalist Tarquin Hall (b. 1969), the middle name of American actor, Timothy Tarquin Hutton (b. 1960).
Today Tarquin feels distinctive and slightly theatrical, blending ancient Roman history with a sleek, modern sound. If you are looking for a fuller name for Quinn, this may be the perfect choice for you.
International variations include:
- Tarkinio (Basque)
- Tarquini, Tarquí (Catalan)
- Tarkvinije Тарквиније (Croatian, Serbian)
- Tarquinius (Dutch, Latin)
- Tarquin (English, French)
- Tarquinio, Tarquino (Italian, Spanish)
- Tarkvinijus (Lithuanian)
- Tarkwiniusz (Polish)
- Tarquínio, Tarquino, Tarquim (Portuguese)
- Tarkvinij (Slovene)
Female Forms
Its Italian feminine form of Tarquinia was borne by Italian Renaissance singer, Tarquinia Molza (1542-1617). This would also make a fabulous fuller version for the nickname Quinn. Another Italian female form is Tarquina.
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