Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Connor
The name Connor is an Anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic name Conchobhar meaning “lover of hounds”. In Irish mythology, Conchobhar (Connor) MacNessa was the legendary King of Ulster said to be born at the same time as Jesus Christ. He is remembered most for his ill-fated marriage to Deirdre. One day King Conor attended a celebratory feast in his honor given by Femlin, a lord of Ulster. During the merriment, a messenger arrived with news that Lord Femlin’s wife had just given birth to a baby girl. As the men drank to the baby’s health, a Druid was sent to predict the child’s future. When the Druid foretold that the baby would grow to be the fairest of all women in Ireland but that she would marry a king and bring ruin upon the kingdom of Ulster, King Conor decided to take the baby, hide her safely away and make her his own wife when she reached marriageable age. This way, no foreign king could have her. They named the baby Deirdre which is Celtic for “woman”. As Deidre grew older and the wedding day neared, she was repulsed by the now-aged king who was to become her husband. Instead, she fell in love with the king’s nephew, a handsome warrior named Naoise. At first, Naoise tried to reject the girl’s advances knowing she was promised to the king, but her beauty overpowered him. The two young lovers eloped and escaped to Scotland. Eventually Conor tricked the lovers into returning to Ulster by promising forgiveness but then promptly had Naoise killed for his treason. Deirdre was then forced to marry the king but she steadfast refused to look at him or even smile for a year. When Conor finally asked her what she hated most of all, she answered “Thou thyself. And Éogan son of Duracht” (Éogan being the king’s servant who killed Naoise). Whether as an act of revenge or a reaction to his own wounded pride, Conor cruelly sent Deirdre to be with Éogan for a year. As she was leaving to go with Éogan, Deirdre jumped out of the chariot hurling her head against a rock, thus ending her life instantly. According to legend, two yew trees sprung from the separate gravesites of Deirdre and Naoise and grew so tall that their limbs intertwined over either side of a church remaining together for eternity. Although King Conor’s ruthless treatment of Deirdre and Naoise doesn't exactly cast him in the most attractive of lights; he was nonetheless a brave and capable king (as a result, the name is often associated with adjectives “strong-willed” and “wise”). It was his desire for Deirdre that proved his ultimate downfall. Conchobhar (Conor) was also the name of several other early Irish kings, and the name has remained in constant use since ancient times (giving birth to the surname O'Connor). The anglicized version of Conor/Connor is still extremely popular in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man today.
All About the Baby Name – Connor
Personality
OF THE BOY NAME CONNOR
The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth". Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.
Popularity
OF THE BOY NAME CONNOR
Connor first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1981 so, although the name is ancient to Ireland, it’s really quite modern here in the states. Original usage of the name may have been influenced by the growing trend of using surnames as forenames here in America. But whatever the reason, Connor really hit a chord with American parents and the name has since taken off in popularity. It only took the name 12 years to land on the U.S. Top 100 list of favorite baby boy names (1992). Connor reached his all-time high at position #38 in 2004. Today this little “dog lover” seems to be parking himself comfortably on the higher end of the Top 100, so he’s still going strong. We love the idea of Connor and Caleb for twins (because Caleb is the Hebrew word for “dog”). Although Connor is quite trendy (as evidenced by the multi-spellings now available: Conner, Conor, Konner and Konnor), it remains an excellent choice overall. By the way, the Irish are more inclined to spell it Conor with one “n” if you’re trying to be true to your Gaelic heritage.
Quick Facts
ON CONNOR
GENDER:
Boy
ORIGIN:
Celtic
NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:
2
RANKING POPULARITY:
56
PRONUNCIATION:
KAHN-nәr
SIMPLE MEANING:
Dog/wolf lover (lover of hounds)
Characteristics
OF CONNOR
