Conor is a unique and intriguing name of Irish origin. It comes from the ancient Gaelic name "Conchobhar," which is composed of two elements: "conn" meaning "wise" or "intelligent," and "cobar" meaning "descendant." Thus, the name Conor means "wise descendant."
The name Conor has a rich history in Irish mythology. It was borne by several important figures, including the legendary High King of Ulster, Conchobhar mac Nessa. This historical figure was said to be the son of the goddess Nessa and the hero Cormac mac Airt. According to myth, Conor was a wise and just ruler who united the various kingdoms of Ireland under his reign.
The name Conor has also been popular among Irish writers and artists throughout history. The most notable is perhaps Seán O'Casey, whose real name was John Francis Augustus Case, but he chose to use the pen name Seán O'Cathasaigh (Sean O'Casey in English), which translates to "John of Casey." Among his works that feature characters named Conor are "Shadow of a Gunman" and "The Plough and the Stars."
In modern times, the name Conor has gained international popularity due to its association with the popular video game character Connor Kenway from the Assassin's Creed series. The name has also been used in various movies, TV shows, books, and songs, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Overall, the name Conor is a powerful and meaningful Irish name with a rich history behind it. It signifies wisdom and intelligence, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and significant name for their child.
The name Conor has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years in the United States. From only 7 births in 1961, the number of babies named Conor increased steadily throughout the decades.
In the 1980s, we began to see a more substantial increase with 255 births in 1986, jumping to 356 in 1987. This trend continued into the 1990s, with the highest number of Conor births reaching 1250 in 1993.
However, after a peak in popularity around this time, the name's popularity started to decline. From 2001 onwards, the number of babies named Conor began to decrease, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 450 births in 2023.
Despite this recent decline, it is clear that at one point, the name Conor was quite popular in the United States. Over the years, a total of 26710 babies were named Conor, indicating its enduring appeal as a boy's name.