Conor

♂ Boy

Pronounced KON-er /ˈkɒn.ər/High

Meaning: Irish Gaelic Conchobhar, from con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring, loving), traditionally interpreted as 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves', suggesting a skilled hunter or warriorHigh

In 30 seconds: Conor is the Irish Gaelic form of Connor, meaning lover of hounds or lover of wolves. It is the spelling preferred in Ireland, distinguishing it from the more common American double-n form Connor.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighIrish Gaelic

MeaningIrish Gaelic Conchobhar, from con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring, loving), traditionally interpreted as 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves', suggesting a skilled hunter or warrior

U.S. rank (2025)#845 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births292 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 27,379

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Conor is the Irish Gaelic spelling of the name from Conchobhar, composed of con (hound, wolf) and cobhar (desiring), meaning 'lover of hounds'. In Old Irish culture, hounds were noble hunting companions associated with warriors of the highest rank. Conchobhar mac Nessa was the legendary King of Ulster who led the Red Branch knights in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology.

Conor (one n) is the preferred spelling in Ireland, while Connor (double n) dominates in the United States and other English-speaking countries. Both are in active use, and parents who choose the Conor spelling often do so to signal Irish authenticity or family heritage. The name has been popular in Ireland for many centuries and has risen in U.S. use since the 1990s.

Did you know? Conchobhar mac Nessa — the ancient Irish name underlying Conor — was the legendary king of Ulster and patron of the Red Branch warriors in Irish mythology, making this one of Ireland's most storied royal names.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Conor — Irish Gaelic etymologyMacLysaght, E. — Irish Families — O'Connor surname and mythological background

Variations

ConnorConnerKonnor

Nicknames

ConConn

Famous Bearers

★Conor McGregor (1988–present)
Irish mixed martial artist and professional boxer who became the first UFC fighter to hold championships in two weight divisions simultaneously.

If you like Conor…

Declan— same Irish Gaelic origin and similar modern popularity

Finn— shares the Irish heritage and the crisp, strong masculine feel

Cormac— fellow Irish Gaelic royal name from the Ulster mythological tradition

Brendan— same Irish Catholic heritage and two-syllable masculine rhythm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Conor mean?

Conor means lover of hounds or lover of wolves, from Irish Gaelic con (hound) and cobhar (desiring).

How do you pronounce Conor?

It is said KON-er, with two syllables.

What is the difference between Conor and Connor?

Conor (one n) is the Irish Gaelic spelling; Connor (two n's) is the more common English-language form.

Is Conor a popular name?

Conor is the most common masculine name in Ireland and is popular in the U.S. under various spellings.