O'Connor
descendant of Conchobhair, meaning 'lover of hounds'
Ireland origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1122US 2023
1.1kBirths / yr
Stable
Top 0.83%Percentile
How to pronounce O'Connor
oh·KAH·ner
/oʊ.ˈkɑ.nɝ/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables
descendant of Conchobhair, meaning 'lover of hounds'
Ireland origin · Boy name

What does O'Connor mean and where does it come from?

The surname O'Connor originates from the Gaelic 'Ó Conchobhair', indicating 'descendant of Conchobhar'. This name was used by multiple families in Ireland, primarily in Connacht, especially County Galway and County Roscommon. The name has historical significance, with O'Connors being a prominent Gae

Cultural significance
O'Connor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of conchobhair, meaning 'lover of hounds'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1122 in 2020 — currently #1122 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell O'Connor?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with O'Connor?

O'Connor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

O'Connor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
O'Connor Rose
Floral · soft ending
O'Connor Mae
Sweet · timeless
O'Connor Claire
French influence · crisp
O'Connor Jane
Literary · strong
O'Connor Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for O'Connor
Browse ideas →

How popular is O'Connor right now?

Holding steady — currently #1122 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1122 · Top 0.83%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#11221,078▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#11271,058▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021#11321,028▲ up 10 · +5% births
2020#1142978▲ up 20 · +11% births
2019#1162878
💎O'Connor is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for O'Connor?

Common
O'cOnnor

Common questions about the name O'Connor

What does the name O'Connor mean?
O'Connor means "descendant of Conchobhair, meaning '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 O'Connor?
O'Connor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of O'Connor?
O'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 O'Connor?
O'Connor is a three-syllable name pronounced OW0 K AA1 N ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with O'Connor?
O'Connor pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.