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Connor

♂ Boy

Pronounced KON-er /ˈkɒn.ər/High

Meaning: Lover of hounds; alternatively 'strong-willed' or 'wolf-lover'High

In 30 seconds: A proud Irish classic from the Old Irish Conchobar, meaning 'lover of hounds.' Borne by legendary High Kings, it's been a top boys' name in the English-speaking world since the 1990s.
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Origin HighIrish, Gaelic
MeaningLover of hounds; alternatively 'strong-willed' or 'wolf-lover'
Peak year2004
Total births (all-time)≈ 204,068

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200419132017

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

History & Origin

Connor derives from the Old Irish name Conchobar, composed of the elements con (hound, wolf) and cobar (desiring), yielding the sense 'lover of hounds' or 'desiring wolves.' The name was borne by several legendary Irish kings, most famously Conchobar mac Nessa of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of mythology.

Anglicized as Connor or Conor, the name gained widespread use outside Ireland during the 20th century. It entered the U.S. top 100 in the early 1990s and peaked around the mid-2000s. The spelling Connor is more common in the U.S., while Conor is preferred in Ireland.

Did you know? In Irish legend, Conchobar mac Nessa was the great King of Ulster and uncle of the hero Cú Chulainn.

Variations

ConorConnerKonnorConchobar

Nicknames

ConConn

Famous Bearers

  • Conor McGregor (b. 1988)
    Irish mixed martial artist and UFC champion.

If you like Connor…

Liam— popular Irish-origin name with strong, short sound
Declan— another beloved Irish saint's name trending in the U.S.
Finn— short, punchy Irish name with mythological roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Connor mean?

Connor comes from the Old Irish <em>Conchobar</em> and means 'lover of hounds' or 'desiring wolves,' reflecting the high regard for hounds in ancient Irish culture.

How do you pronounce Connor?

Connor is pronounced KON-er /ˈkɒn.ər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Connor a boy or girl name?

Connor is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.

How popular is Connor?

Connor has been consistently popular in the U.S. since the 1990s, frequently appearing in the top 50 boys' names.