Conor
/ˈkɑn.əɹ/
Conor is an anglicised form of the Irish Conchobhar, traditionally interpreted as “lover of hounds” from Old Irish con (hound) and cobhair (desiring).
In Irish mythology, Conchobhar mac Nessa was the king of Ulster during the Táin Bó Cúailnge cycle. His rule over the Red Branch warriors made the name synonymous with Irish royalty.
Conor peaked at No. 232 in 1993 with 1,250 births. In 2024 it sits at No. 707 with 376 births, well below its 1990s height.
What the name Conor means
UFC champion Conor McGregor returned the name to global headlines in the 2010s. Irish writers Conor Cruise O’Brien and Conor McPherson carry its literary side.
Two syllables—KON-ur—sound direct and confident. The hard initial consonant and open second syllable keep it brisk without feeling abrupt.
The single-N spelling distinguishes Conor from Connor, marking it as the more traditionally Irish variant preferred by heritage-conscious parents.
Despite its statistical decline, Conor retains cultural weight through sport and literature. It remains a solid choice for families with Irish roots.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Conor
Conor - similar names
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