Connor

Connor is a given name and surname of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name Conchobhar, with the surname Ó Conchobhair meaning “descendant of Conchobhar.” The meaning of Conchobhar is debated, but the form Connor is often associated in popular imagination with strength, and with associations to hounds or wolves in traditional interpretations. Variants for given names include Conor and Conner; related surnames include Connors and O’Conor (and other Anglicizations of Ó Conchobhair).

As a given name, Connor has become widespread in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward. It is used for males in most English-speaking countries, though spelling variants differ by region. As a surname, Connor originated as a patronymic or anglicized form linked to the Gaelic Ó Conchobhair and to descendants named Conchobhar.

Notable people with the given name include Connor McDavid, a Canadian professional ice hockey player; Connor Barwin, an American football linebacker; and Connor Bedard, a Canadian ice hockey prospect widely covered in recent years. The name also appears in popular culture; for example, Connor Kenway is the protagonist of the video game Assassin’s Creed III.

The name Connor is commonly used in fiction and media, often chosen for its concise, two-syllable sound and Irish heritage connotations. It remains a popular choice for boys in many English-speaking countries and continues to appear in surname form in genealogical and historical contexts.