Conlan is a unique and distinctive male given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Conalláin," which was borne by a sept of the Uí Fiachrach, a historic kingdom in County Sligo, Ireland.
The name Ó Conalláin is believed to have originated from the personal name "Conallán," which means "strong as a wolf" or "wolf-like courage." This name was likely given to individuals who were seen as brave and fearless, much like the fierce and powerful animal it is derived from.
Throughout history, the Ó Conalláin sept has been associated with many notable figures in Irish history. One of the most famous was Turlough Ó Conalláin (also known as Turlough an Fhir), who was a poet and chief of his sept in the 14th century. His works are still studied today for their insight into life in medieval Ireland.
While Conlan is not as commonly used as some other Irish names, it has been recorded in various forms throughout history. It appears most frequently in Ireland, but it can also be found in other countries with significant Irish populations, such as the United States and Canada.
In modern times, Conlan has become an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son. Its Irish origins give it a rich cultural heritage, while its powerful meaning makes it a strong and imposing name. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply appreciate the uniqueness of this name, Conlan is a excellent choice for a boy's name with a rich history and profound meaning.
The name Conlan has been given to a total of 894 babies born in the United States between 1987 and 2023. The popularity of this name has varied over the years, with some years seeing more than twice as many births as others.
The earliest available data shows that there were 8 births in both 1987 and 1988. After a dip to 6 births in 1989, the number of annual Conlan births began to rise steadily, reaching double digits for the first time in 1991 with 10 births.
From there, the popularity of the name continued to grow. There were 17 births in 1993, followed by 18 births in both 1994 and 1996. The year 1997 saw a significant increase, with 29 babies named Conlan born that year.
The trend of increasing popularity continued throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. There were 33 births in 2002, 42 in 2004, and 50 in 2005 - a new record at the time.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in 2005, the name Conlan began to fall out of favor. Between 2006 and 2013, the number of annual births ranged from 24 to 46, before dropping below 40 again starting in 2014.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Conlan has continued to decline. There were just 12 births in 2022 and 14 in 2023, suggesting that this once-popular name may now be considered somewhat rare.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name Conlan remains a unique choice for parents seeking an unusual yet memorable name for their baby boy. With only around 894 individuals sharing this name across three-plus decades, those named Conlan can take pride in knowing they have a distinct and uncommon moniker.