Connor is the most common spelling of the anglicized form of Conor, itself derived from the Old Irish name Conchobar. The variant spelling 'Connor' originally arose as the typical anglicization of the surname derived from the given name, and it has since become the prevailing form in most English-speaking countries outside of Ireland. Etymology and Origins The name Conchobar is composed of two Old Irish elements: cú, meaning 'hound, dog, or wolf' (in the genitive form con), and cobar, meaning 'desiring'. The full meaning is thus usually interpreted as 'lover of hounds' or 'desirer of wolves'. This reflects the importance of hounds and wolves in early Irish culture, where animals were often associated with warriors and kingship. Mythological and Historical Bearers The name Conchobar is deeply rooted in Irish mythology, most famously borne by the legendary Ulster king Conchobar mac Nessa. He is a central figure in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, a collection of medieval tales recounting the heroics and tragedies of the Ulaidh (people of Ulster). Conchobar is known for his tragic desire for the beautiful Deirdre and his conflict with Queen Medb of Connacht. This mythological pedigree firmly established the name in Irish tradition. Historically, several rulers and nobles have borne the name Connor. Among them are Connor, King of Connacht (12th century); Connor mac Tadg (10th century), a king from whom the O'Connors derive their name; and Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond (16th century). The saintly Connor O'Devany, a 16th-century bishop and martyr, is also a notable bearer. The name was likely first anglicized to Connor or Conor by Hiberno-Normans during the medieval period. Modern Usage and Variants Today, Connor is widely used across the English-speaking world, with Ireland preferring the spelling Conor — which reflects a direct anglicization of the Gaelic form. Other English variants include Conner and Konnor. The popularity of Connor has risen dramatically outside Ireland, particularly in North America and Australasia, where it consistently ranks among the top given names for boys. This success can partly be attributed to the popularity of relatively modern characters with the name, such as Connor MacLeod from the Highlander film series, which bolstered the name's rugged appeal. The enduring appeal of Connor lies in its strong, two-syllable structure and its rich, heroic associations from Irish lore. Key Facts Meaning: 'lover of hounds' or 'desirer of wolves' Origin: Derived from Old Irish Conchobar Type: Given name Usage: English-speaking world (minus Ireland), originally anglicized form of Conor