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Conner

♂ Boy

Pronounced KON-er /ˈkɒn.ər/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Connor, from the Irish Gaelic Conchobhar, composed of con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring), meaning 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves'High

In 30 seconds: Conner is an American variant spelling of the Irish Gaelic Connor, meaning lover of hounds. One of the most popular boys names in the U.S. in the early 2000s, it retains a strong, friendly, Celtic character.
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Origin HighIrish Gaelic
MeaningVariant spelling of Connor, from the Irish Gaelic Conchobhar, composed of con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring), meaning 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves'
U.S. rank (2025)#864 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births277 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 56,388

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200519152025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Conner is a variant of Connor, from Irish Gaelic Conchobhar, composed of con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring, loving), meaning 'lover of hounds'. In Old Irish culture, hounds were noble hunting companions and military symbols, so the name expressed a warrior's affinity for his most valued companions. Conchobhar mac Nessa was the legendary High King of Ulster in Irish mythology.

The Conner spelling (with -er instead of -or) is predominantly an American variant, reflecting the way the name settled into English phonology. Connor and Conner together were among the top 20 U.S. boys names in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The -er ending gives it a slightly more American-natural feel compared to the -or ending. Both spellings are equally valid as given names.

Did you know? Conchobhar mac Nessa, the legendary Ulster king whose name became Connor, ruled over the great Red Branch warriors of Irish mythology — including Cuchulainn, the greatest hero of the Ulster Cycle — making this one of Ireland's most storied royal names.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Connor — Irish Gaelic etymology; Conner is the American variantU.S. Social Security Administration — Conner popularity data

Variations

ConnorConorKonnor

Nicknames

ConConn

Famous Bearers

  • ★Connor McDavid (1997–present)
    Canadian professional ice hockey player, widely considered one of the best of his generation and captain of the Edmonton Oilers.

If you like Conner…

Declan— same Irish Gaelic origin and similar modern American popularity
Finn— shares the Irish heritage and a crisp, strong Celtic masculine sound
Brendan— fellow Irish Catholic heritage and two-syllable masculine rhythm
Liam— same Irish background and comparable surge in American popularity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Conner mean?

Conner means lover of hounds, from Irish Gaelic con (hound) and cobhar (desiring); it is a variant of Connor.

How do you pronounce Conner?

It is said KON-er, with two syllables.

What is the difference between Conner and Connor?

Conner (with -er) is an American spelling variant; Connor (with -or) is more common globally. Both are equally valid.

Is Conner a popular name?

Conner and Connor together were among the top 20 U.S. boys names in the early 2000s.