First found in county Longford.

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name O'Quin: Ack Oquin, who arrived in Virginia in 1678; David Quinn, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1685; Daniel McQuinn, who sailed to Virginia in 1716; Knogher O'Quin, who came to America in 1737.

For more information on the last name O'Quin, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.