American aviator, journalist, and screenwriter Harriet Quimby was born on May 11, 1875.
She found her interest in aviation while attending the International Aviation Meet at Belmont Park in 1910, and in 1911, Quimby became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Even as one of the country’s few female pilots, Quimby embraced her femininity by wearing a distinct plum satin blouse and jewelry along with her practical trousers and boots.
On April 16, 1912, Quimby became the first woman to fly across the English Channel, beginning in Dover and touching down in Calais. She completed the trip in 59 minutes. On July 1, 1912, Quimby flew in the Third Annual Boston Aviation Meet, during which her plane malfunctioned. Unfortunately, Quimby and her passenger were ejected, resulting in their deaths. Her contributions to aviation has paved the way for all future female pilots.
While Harriet Quimby’s first name is well known and has a long history of use, her surname is much more rare. Quimby is a variation of the English surname Quenby, meaning “queen’s settlement”.
Quimby has never appeared in the US top 1000. In 2023, it was given to fewer than 5 baby girls. Along with Harriet, the surname Quimby also brings to mind children’s book heroine Ramona Quimby, the titular character in Beverly Cleary’s well-known series.
Quimby would make a wonderful, if not a bit quirky, choice for a daughter!
RE: "Quincy may be unisex, but Quimby is decidedly feminine — at least according to the stats, it's never been used for boys."
(Dictionary Data from Oxford Languages)
Quim is a vulgar slang term that refers to the female genitalia or vulva. It has been historically associated with British slang and is considered offensive and sexist.
I can see why it's never been used for boys.