Qui
A boy's name of Vietnamese origin with 23 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Qui is a one-syllable boy's name with a open, approachable sound — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. With only 23 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Qui is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Qui is a boy's baby name of Vietnamese origin, a short given name meaning "precious" or "to value highly." In Vietnamese naming tradition, single-syllable names are common, and Qui carries a quiet dignity and warmth appropriate for both boys and girls, though it appears more frequently for boys in US records.
At just three letters, Qui is one of the shortest names imaginable — but in Vietnamese culture, brevity doesn't diminish a name's meaning. It carries its precious connotation entirely, a small name with a full heart.
EtymologyShow more
Qui is cataloged under the Vietnamese naming tradition. Names from the Vietnamese tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Qui has been recorded as a boy's name since 1983, with 23 total births. Browse the Vietnamese names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Qui has 4+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1983.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 18 | — |
The Story of Qui
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1983, Qui is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Qui are most likely born between 1983 and 1992.
How rare is Qui?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Qui is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, peaked in the 1980s with 18 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(4 years, 1983–1992)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 5 | #9467 |
| 1986 | 5 | #7548 |
| 1985 | 6 | #6328 |
| 1983 | 7 | #5334 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qui a boy's or girl's name?
When was Qui most popular?
How popular is the name Qui?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–1992