Connor
Connor Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈkɑn.əɹ/
Meaning of Connor: Connor derives from the Old Irish name Conchobar, combining con (hound, wolf) and cobar (desire, longing), meaning "lover of hounds" or "desiring wolves" -- an expression of warrior spirit in a culture that valued fierce hunting dogs as symbols of power and loyalty.
Conchobar mac Nessa is one of the great legendary figures of Irish mythology -- King of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of heroic tales. His court at Emain Macha was home to the Red Branch Knights, including the greatest of all Irish heroes, Cu Chulainn.
Conchobar's complex, morally ambiguous role in the cycle (he kept the warrior Deirdre captive and caused the downfall of the Sons of Uisneach) made him one of Irish mythology's most fully drawn rulers.
What Does Connor Mean? Origin & Etymology
The anglicization Connor (or Conor) emerged as the name passed through centuries of Irish phonological change and colonial pressure to use English spellings. Both spellings are used; Connor (double n) is the more common American form, while Conor (single n) remains standard in Ireland.
Connor entered the US top 100 for boys in 1994 and peaked near rank 40 in 2000. It has been one of the most influential Irish names in American baby naming since the 1990s, part of the same wave as Ryan, Kieran, and Declan.
Connor ranked 100th for boys in the US in 2024. After its 2000s peak it has declined gradually but remains inside the top 100, retaining the clean, confident sound and Irish heritage that made it so appealing to a generation of parents.
Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
How Popular Is Connor?
Numerology & Symbolism of Connor
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Connor – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Connor
What does the name Connor mean?
Connor means "lover of hounds" or "desiring wolves," from Old Irish Conchobar -- combining con (hound or wolf) and cobar (desire or longing). The hound was a symbol of courage and loyalty in ancient Irish warrior culture, making the name an expression of fierce, loyal spirit.
Who was Conchobar mac Nessa, and how does this relate to the name Connor?
Conchobar mac Nessa was the legendary King of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. His court at Emain Macha was home to the Red Branch Knights, including the hero Cu Chulainn. His story involves complex moral themes -- including his imprisonment of the beautiful Deirdre and his role in the tragic deaths of the Sons of Uisneach -- making him one of Irish mythology's most compelling figures.
How popular is Connor in the United States?
Connor ranked 100th for boys in the US in 2024. It entered the top 100 in 1994 and peaked near rank 40 in 2000. It has been inside the top 100 for nearly 30 consecutive years, making it one of the most durable Irish names in American use.
Is Connor spelled with one or two n's?
Both Conor (one n) and Connor (two n's) are used. Conor is the standard spelling in Ireland. Connor (two n's) is more common in the United States. There is no etymological difference between the spellings -- the choice reflects regional convention or family preference.