by Kim L Kirsch

Created on: January 30, 2008

ETYMOLOGY:
Connor is pronounced Kah-ner. It has the meaning of "hound lover" or "dog lover." Although the name is officially defined as above, there are some speculations that the name actually has a definition of "strong willed" or "wise."

ORIGIN AND HISTORY:
The name Connor is thought to have derived from an Irish family O'Connor or the Scottish family MacConnor. It is of Gaelic origin.

POPULARITY:
Connor is more popular as a surname than it is a first or given name. Connor is rarely used for the given name of baby girls, but the name is becoming increasing popular among parents of baby boys. This trend began in the 1970s. In 2006, the name Connor was ranked number 56 as popular baby boy's names.

FASCINATING FACTS:
- Connor is said to be the Anglicized form of Conchobhar (Gaelic), which was the name of a legendary king of Ulster according to Irish mythology who lived at the time of Christ.
- Some parents who choose the name Connor also like the similar names of Conroy, Konner, or Konor.
- Many actors are naming their babies Connor or some variant of the name. Patrick Duffy and Nicole Kidman are two such Hollywood Stars.

NAMESAKES:
- Connor Hardwood Courts; this is a company based in the western region of the United States which manufactures maple hardwood courts for basketball, volleyball and athletic and recreational facilities.
- Connor Hotel This authentic turn-of-the-century hotel with modern, luxurious amenities is located in the quaint mining town of Jerome, Arizona.
- Connor O'Neill's is a traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado.
- Connor, Maine is an unincorporated area in Aroostook County, Maine, United States.
- Connor, County Antrim This is a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
-Diocese of Connor This is a Diocese of the Church of Ireland.

FAMOUS PERSONS:
Connor Trinneer is an American television actor born on March 9, 1969.
- George Connor was an American Race Care Driver. He lived from 1908-2001.
- George Connor was an American football offensive tackle/linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1948-1955. He lived form 1925 to 2003.
- Steven Connor, English writer, professor, and cultural critic. He was born in 1955.
- William D. Connor, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin 1864 1944.
- Conor Cruise O'Brien: This is an author born in Dublin in 1917.
- Conor Mullen Oberst was born February 15, 1980 and is an indie singer best known for his work in Bright Eyes.

NAME VARIANTS:
Conor, Conner, Conn

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