This unusual name has probable Huguenot associations in that it was originally found as Quinones or Quiniou from the Spanish Province of Leon and the French of Brittany and also from the State of Andulusia, where it is recorded Heraldically in Rietstap's Armorial General for the Continent. The name was originally from Spain and is either locational from the village of Quinones or occupational for one who farmed shared lands. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Quinones de Leon. which was dated C. 1580 San Carlos, Spain. during the reign of King Philip 11 of Spain 1528 - 1598. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.