Connor: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Connor is a male name of Irish origin, meaning "lover of hounds" or "wolf lover". This ancient Gaelic name rose from Irish royalty to become a popular modern choice reflecting strength and heritage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Irish (Gaelic) |
| Meaning | Lover of hounds, wolf lover |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | KAH-nər |
Etymology of Connor
Connor derives from the Irish Gaelic name Conchobhar (or Conchobar), composed of two elements: con (hound, wolf) and cobhair (desiring, loving). The name is traditionally interpreted as meaning "lover of hounds" or "wolf lover," reflecting the importance of hunting hounds and wolves in ancient Irish culture.
The Gaelic form Conchobhar underwent anglicization during centuries of English influence in Ireland, eventually producing the modern spelling "Connor." The "ch" sound in Gaelic (similar to the Scottish "loch") was adapted to fit English phonetics, while the ending was simplified from "-obhar" to "-nor."
This name entered wider English-speaking use through Irish emigration, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, when Irish names began spreading beyond their homeland. The spelling "Connor" became standardized in English-speaking countries, though "Conor" (single 'n') remains common in Ireland.
History of Connor
Origins and Early Use
Connor has roots in ancient Irish mythology and royalty. The most famous historical bearer was Conchobar mac Nessa, the legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology (circa 1st century BC in the Ulster Cycle tales). This king appears prominently in the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), where he rules from Emain Macha.
The name was borne by numerous Irish kings and chieftains throughout medieval history, maintaining its association with leadership and nobility. For centuries, it remained predominantly used in Ireland and among Irish communities.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Irish cultural revival in US | Entered US Top 200 |
| 1990s | Celtic naming trend | Jumped to Top 100 (#79 by 1999) |
| 2004 | Peak popularity | Reached #38 (10,049 births) |
| 2010s | Normcore movement | Stabilized in Top 100 |
| 2020s | Gradual decline | Dropped to #136 by 2024 |
Modern Usage
Connor experienced its greatest surge in the 1990s and early 2000s, coinciding with broader American interest in Celtic culture—driven by phenomena like Riverdance, Celtic music popularity, and films exploring Irish themes. The name appealed to parents seeking names that felt both traditional and fresh, with a strong, masculine sound.
By the 2000s, Connor had become mainstream in the US, peaking in 2004. Since then, it has gradually declined but remains well-used, ranking #136 in 2024 with 2,606 births. The name maintains steady popularity in Ireland, Canada, and Australia.
Key insight: This name rose because American parents in the 1990s sought culturally rooted alternatives to generic names, and Connor provided Irish heritage appeal with easy pronunciation, then declined as the Celtic naming trend matured and parents sought less common options.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Connor when they want to convey strength, heritage, and approachability, especially in contexts involving Irish identity, traditional values, or a balance between classic and contemporary feel.
Variants of Connor
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Gaelic | Conchobhar | Original ancient form |
| Irish | Conor | Single 'n' spelling, common in Ireland |
| English | Connor | Standard anglicized form |
| Scottish | Conner | Alternative spelling variant |
| Welsh | Conwr | Rare Welsh adaptation |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Con, Connie (less common for males in modern usage), Conn
Similar Names
- Conor - Irish spelling variant (single 'n')
- Cormac - Another Irish name from Gaelic roots, meaning "son of defilement" or "charioteer"
- Callum - Scottish name, also rising in the Celtic naming wave
- Brennan - Irish surname-name with similar modern popularity pattern
Connor Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | #2807 | 10 |
| 1940s | - | - |
| 1960s | #2718 | 10 |
| 1980s | #1031 | 77 |
| 2000s | #50 | 7,529 |
| 2020s | #78 | 4,413 |
| 2024s | #136 | 2,606 |
Peak: 2004, ranked #38 (10,049 births)
Current (2024): #136 (2,606 births)
Trend analysis: Connor's rise reflected the 1990s-2000s Celtic naming boom in America, peaking in the mid-2000s before declining as that trend matured. The name remains well-established but less dominant than during its peak decade.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Connor as a Username
Availability
"connor" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to its popularity in the 2000s-2010s, many variations have been claimed.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | connor | Professional |
| With numbers | connor99, connor04 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | conn, conr | Social media |
| Stylized | xconnor, connorx, c0nnor | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Connor as an ID tends to project:
- Approachability - because it's a familiar, easy-to-pronounce modern name
- Strength - because of its sound structure (hard consonants) and Irish warrior heritage
- Authenticity - because it maintains cultural roots while feeling contemporary
Best for: Professional profiles, gaming (where Celtic/warrior associations fit), casual social media
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to stand out in spaces where Connor is oversaturated.
Is Connor good for a username?
Connor works well as a username if you value approachability and cultural resonance without being too unusual. However, due to its high popularity in the 2000s, you may need variations like connor_dev, connorsmith, or c.connor to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Connor mean?
Connor means "lover of hounds" or "wolf lover" from Irish Gaelic, derived from con (hound, wolf) and cobhair (desiring).
Is Connor popular?
According to SSA data, Connor ranks #136 in the US (2024). It is falling from its peak in 2004 (#38) but remains well-established.
What are nicknames for Connor?
Common nicknames: Con, Conn. (Connie is less common for males in modern usage.)
Is Connor a boy's or girl's name?
Connor is traditionally male. While occasionally used for girls, it remains overwhelmingly masculine in usage.
How do you pronounce Connor?
Connor is pronounced KAH-nər (rhymes with "honor"). In Ireland, the Gaelic form Conchobhar is pronounced KRUH-hoor or KAHN-uh-wur depending on dialect.
Is Connor good for a username?
Connor works well as a username if you value strength and approachability, though availability may require variation due to its popularity during the 2000s.
Related Names
- Conor - Irish spelling variant with single 'n', often preferred in Ireland
- Cormac - Another ancient Irish name with royal heritage
- Cal - Shorter form of Callum, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026