The name was taken from architect Norman Shaw's designs in England and has no relation to the eighteenth century British monarch. During this time period the technology of bending wood and glass in volume allowed the softer, rounded shapes of this style.
The Queen Anne is the quintessential San Francisco Victorian that everyone immediately imagines when hearing the reference. Rounded corner towers, enclosed porches, references to the classical past in ribbons, garlands, torches and beaded moldings are elements of this style.