What does Conway mean and where does it come from?
The name Conway is derived from the Irish surname Ó Conbhaile, meaning 'descendant of Conbhail'. It is also associated with a place name in Wales, where it is spelled 'Conwy'. The name has gained some popularity in the United States, particularly in the early 20th century. Notably, it's primarily us
Cultural significance
Conway has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 'holy' or 'from the land of the white'.
Peak popularity
Reached #940 in 1881 — currently #1683 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Conway?
Conway works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Conway Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Conway Rose
Floral · soft ending
Conway Mae
Sweet · timeless
Conway Claire
French influence · crisp
Conway Jane
Literary · strong
Conway Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Conway right now?
Rising fast — up 236 spots — currently #1683 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1683 | 101 | ▲ up 236 · +25% births |
| 2022 | #1919 | 81 | ▲ up 194 · +19% births |
| 2021 | #2113 | 68 | ▼ down 109 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #2004 | 70 | ▲ up 351 · +27% births |
| 2015 | #2355 | 55 | ▲ up 1745 · +129% births |
| 2010 | #4100 | 24 | ▲ up 4218 · +200% births |
| 2005 | #8318 | 8 | ▼ down 878 |
| 2000 | #7440 | 8 | ▼ down 424 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #7016 | 7 | ▼ down 2828 · -46% births |
| 1990 | #4188 | 13 | ▼ down 361 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #3827 | 11 | ▼ down 844 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #2983 | 15 | ▼ down 1147 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #1836 | 26 | ▲ up 227 · +37% births |
| 1970 | #2063 | 19 | ▼ down 245 |
| 1965 | #1818 | 19 | — |
The story of Conway
Conway has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 2,402 total births recorded, Conway remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #950 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1683 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Conway in 1881:
Conway by decade
Conway peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 29 | |
| 1910s | 176 | |
| 1920s | 366 | |
| 1930s | 221 | |
| 1940s | 194 | |
| 1950s | 181 | |
| 1960s | 170 | |
| 1970s | 181 | |
| 1980s | 106 | |
| 1990s | 126 | |
| 2000s | 119 | |
| 2010s ★ | 452 | |
| 2020s | 70 | |
💎With 2,402 total births, Conway is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Conway?
What names sound and feel like Conway?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Conway also consider these
Common questions about the name Conway
What does the name Conway mean?
Conway means "'Holy' or 'from the land of the white'" — 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 Conway?
Conway is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Conway have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Conway?
Conway 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 Conway?
Conway is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 N W EY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Conway trending right now?
Conway is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.