Irish boys' name meaning 'lover of hounds' is popular in the US and Ireland

Both Irish and American parents stay in love with a cute name for boys which means 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves'. In Ireland last year, it was the 12th most popular name for baby boys born in the country.

Meanwhile, it was the 126th most popular name for boys born in the US in 2023. The name in question is Conor or Connor .

The name has become so popular in modern times that many people don't realize the actual old meaning behind it. So, we thought we would explain that to you.

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Conor or Connor is understood to mean 'lover of hounds' or 'lover of wolves'. The modern name is derived from Conchobhar or Conchubhar.

Both of these original names are pronounced 'kon-ko-bar', so you can see where 'Conor' came from. Many people don't realize that the name appears regularly in Irish folklore and real-life history with fascinating stories behind it.

Connor King of Connacht, for example, ruled from 1183 to 1189. He was the son of the High King of Ireland Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair and fought against the Norman invasion of Ireland.

There is also Conchobar mac Tadg who ruled over Connacht between 967 and 973. He is considered the eponym of the O'Conor family of Connacht.

Other notable people with the name from throughout Irish history and lore include the 14th-century chieftain Connor 'The Tawny' McKiernan, 16th-century peer and militia leader Connor O'Brien, and Irish peer and rebel leader Connor Maguire, 2nd Baron of Enniskillen.

In Ireland, the name Conor was given to 244 baby boys born in the country in 2023. Meanwhile, in the US, the name Connor was given to 2,855 baby boys.

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In Ireland, other popular baby names for boys last year were Rían, Oisín, Fionn, Tadgh, and Liam. In the US, the most popular baby name for boys overall was Liam.

Other Irish names for boys that proved popular for American parents last year include Owen, Aiden, and Rowan.

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