Quillis

Quillis is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name Quill or Quillie, which itself may have been a diminutive of the given name Quince or quince, or a nickname for someone who worked with quill pens or similar writing instruments. The name is most frequently found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire, and also appears in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting patterns of British emigration.

Notable individuals who bear the Quillis surname include Jacquie Quillis (born 1971), a former Canadian professional ice hockey player known for her defensive play with the Edmonton Chimos. Another is John Quillis (born 1950), a British journalist who served as editor of the regional newspaper The Cumberland News from 1985 to 1992. In the realm of public service, Margaret Quillis (1907–1999) was a New Zealand nurse renowned for her work in rural health outreach during the mid‑20th century. The name also appears in the literary world; Eli Quillis (born 1980) is an American novelist whose debut work received critical attention for its exploration of post‑industrial identity.

Genealogical resources such as the National Archives in the United Kingdom and the New Zealand Historical Society provide access to census records, parish registers, and immigration documents that trace the dispersion of families bearing the Quillis surname, offering insight into their social mobility and occupational shifts over several centuries.

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