Konnor

Konnor is one of those spelling mutations that American parents (well, at least some) are so enamored with. Switching a traditionally spelled C name to a K name is practically an American pastime. Now that Connor is such a popular boy’s name in the United States, respelled versions started to emerge (there are a total of five variations of this name on the charts today). Generally speaking, Conor is considered a Irish boy’s name from an ancient Gaelic personal name “Conchobhar” meaning “lover of hounds”. Animals were highly regarded among the ancient Celtic people. Fish (particularly the salmon) represented knowledge. Birds were believed to hold prophetic knowledge. Horses, cattle and pigs symbolized fertility and prosperity. But the Celtic hound was a loyal companion and comrade in battle. They could be counted on for their endurance, speed and stamina during the hunt. In Celtic mythology hounds had magical licking powers to heal, and they also resided in the Otherworld as a guide to and protector of lost souls. Conchobhar (Conor) also holds an interesting place in Irish mythology; Conchobhar Mac Nessa was a legendary king of Ulster who got himself tangled up in an interesting love story (see literary references below). Aside from Conor’s Irish roots (by the way, the Irish spell the name Conor), the spelling of Conner is generally considered the transferred use of an Anglo-Saxon surname originating as an occupational name for an inspector of weights and measures. In Middle English, the word “cunnere” meant “inspector” a derivative of “cun(nen)” meaning “to examine”. In any case, the Conor/Connor names are hugely popular throughout the English speaking world right now. Konnor and Konner followed as alternate spellings.