Home › Baby Names Directory › Connell

Connell

♂ Boy

Pronounced KON-əl /ˈkɑn.əl/High

Meaning: From Irish Conall — traditionally 'strong as a wolf' (con, 'wolf/hound', plus a strength element) — borne by legendary warriors and saints' kinMedium

In 30 seconds: Wolf-strength with a paperback heart: Connell descends from Irish Conall — warrior of the Ulster cycle — and lately from Normal People's quiet hero, who made the surname-name swoon-worthy.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumIrish

MeaningFrom Irish Conall — traditionally 'strong as a wolf' (con, 'wolf/hound', plus a strength element) — borne by legendary warriors and saints' kin

U.S. rank (2025)#3140 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,766

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Connell anglicizes Irish Conall — traditionally parsed 'strong as a wolf', from con, wolf-hound — a name the Ulster Cycle gives the hero Conall Cernach and early Christian Ireland gave kings and saints' kindred; O'Connell, Daniel the Liberator's surname, is its descendant. Rooney's novel and series renewed its romantic currency.

As an American first name it is rare — Connor's quieter, more literary cousin with the same pack instincts.

Did you know? Sally Rooney's Normal People gave the name its tenderest bearer — Connell Waldron and his famous neck chain briefly made this old wolf-name the internet's boyfriend.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Conall — etymology, traditional

Variations

ConallConnelO'Connell

Nicknames

ConConnie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Connell…

Connor— the wolf-lover cousin that conquered America first

Declan— a fellow Irish import in modern favor

Ronan— the little-seal companion classic

Niall— lands in the same popularity range

Callan— shares Connell's Irish roots

Explore names like Connell

By themesurname-name irish literary

By meaningStrength Warrior

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Connell mean?

Connell comes from Irish Conall, traditionally parsed 'strong as a wolf'.

How do you pronounce Connell?

It's said KON-əl /ˈkɑn.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Connell a boy or girl name?

Connell is a boy's name.

How popular is Connell?

Connell is a rare name in the U.S.; Connor is the familiar cousin.