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GENDER: Male

PRONUNCIATION: KON-ner (English) or KAH-ner (Ireland)

ETYMOLOGY: The name Connor is of Gaelic descent. It is the anglicized version of the Irish "Concobhar" meaning "hound lover". Irish legends also associate the name Connor with being "strong willed".

ORIGIN AND HISTORY:
One of the most famous bearers of the name Connor throughout history was King Connor of Ulster. Irish mythology leads us to believe that Connor half cheated his way to the throne. Aged only seven Connor's mother Ness, gains the attention of king Fergus Mac Roich. Ness was renowned for being a stunning young woman. After a lot of persuasion Ness finally agrees to wed King Fergus on one condition, Fergus must allow Conor to hold the throne one year so that his children may be referred to as sons of a past king. Fergus became enchanted by the beauty of Ness and so agreed. The royal nobles swore loyalty towards Fergus on the handing over of the crown. Legend tells us though of how Connor and his mother schemed well together and won the respect of the county and noblemen causing Fergus to be unable to return to the thrown. Conor was in love with a lady named Deirdre, however she did not reciprocate these feeling and married a man named Noise. Enraged by her actions Conor had his army kill Noise and in turn forced her to marry him soon after she died of a broken heart.

POPULARITY:
According to the American social security records Connor had a late introduction to the American popularity charts. The name did not make his first appearance in the top 1000 boy's names until 1981. Just as the meaning of the name suggest Connors efforts to rise through the chart have been impressive. Just 11 years later in 1992 Connor entered the top 100 chosen boy's names. He continued the search for popularity and 6 years later was within the top 50. In 2006 Connor was ranked in 53rd position. With figures for 2007 about to be released all eyes will be on this name to see if he will actually strive to the top

FASCINATING FACTS:
According to numerology the name Connor is represented by the number 7. Characteristics associated with this number are; to be Analytical yet understanding, a sound basis of knowledge and awareness, a tendency to be studious, gains

In Ireland Conor was the most popular choice for boy's names in the years 1998/1999.

Connor is more commonly spelt as "Connor" in the republic of Ireland. O'Connor is an extremely popular surname in this region also.

NAMESAKES:
The Diocese of Down and Conor; this is presently the second largest diocese in Ireland. The area of the diocese encompasses areas of, Portrush, Portstewart and down to Kilkeel

Connor village; Connor is a small village in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.

FAMOUS PERSONS:
Sinead O'Connor; the controversial Irish singer songwriter was born in Dublin on the 8th of December 1966. Some of her most famous singles include, "Nothing compares 2 U", "This is to Mother you" and "No mans woman".

Conor Anthony Cruise; born on the 17th of January 1995. Connor is the adopted son to Hollywood actor Tom Cruise and former wife Nicole Kidman.

Conor Deasy; the Irish musician Conor is a member of the Indie/Rock band The Thrills".

NAME VARIANTS:
For people who are intrigued by the name Connor and what it represents but would like something with a little twist there are two variant forms available; Conor and Conner.

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