What does Connor mean and where does it come from?
Although traditionally a masculine name, Connor has been adopted as a female name in recent years. Its roots are Irish, derived from the Gaelic name Conchobhar, meaning 'lover of hounds' or 'wolf lover'. The name has been recorded in use since the early medieval period in Ireland. The rising trend o
Cultural significance
Connor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of hounds.
Peak popularity
Reached #1279 in 1992 — currently #126 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Connor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Connor?
Connor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Connor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Connor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Connor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Connor Claire
French influence · crisp
Connor Jane
Literary · strong
Connor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Connor right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #126 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #126 | 2,859 | ▼ down 8 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #118 | 3,210 | ▼ down 20 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #98 | 3,764 | ▲ up 7415 · +26786% births |
| 2020 | #7513 | 14 | ▼ down 1656 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #5857 | 22 | ▲ up 2879 · +69% births |
| 2010 | #8736 | 13 | ▼ down 4144 · -55% births |
| 2005 | #4592 | 29 | ▼ down 2161 · -54% births |
| 2000 | #2431 | 63 | ▼ down 1093 · -49% births |
| 1995 | #1338 | 123 | ▲ up 8972 · +1657% births |
| 1990 | #10310 | 7 | ▼ down 1070 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9240 | 6 | — |
The story of Connor
Connor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. More than 221,334 babies have been named Connor since 1980. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9240 in 1980 to #126 in 2023. Connor is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Connor in 1992:
Connor by decade
Connor peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 31 | |
| 1920s | 47 | |
| 1930s | 23 | |
| 1940s | 50 | |
| 1950s | 39 | |
| 1960s | 86 | |
| 1970s | 247 | |
| 1980s | 3,351 | |
| 1990s | 58,377 | |
| 2000s ★ | 86,333 | |
| 2010s | 68,347 | |
| 2020s | 4,403 | |
What are good nicknames for Connor?
What names sound and feel like Connor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Connor also consider these
How is Connor written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Connor
What does the name Connor mean?
Connor means "lover of hounds" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Connor?
Connor is currently ranked #126 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Connor?
Connor originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Connor?
Connor is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 N ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Connor more of a girl or boy name?
Connor is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.