The surname Connor is of Irish origin, specifically from County Mayo in western Ireland. It derives from the Gaelic name Ó Conglaine, meaning "descendant of Congal", a personal name composed of the elements congal or cón meaning "hound" and ghal meaning "strange" or "foreign". This surname was anglicized as Connor, Conneen, or Coneen. The Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century led to a wave of anglicization of Irish names, resulting in many Gaelic surnames being altered to resemble their English counterparts.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Connor
The meaning and origin of the last name Connor
The surname Connor is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Ó Conghaile," derived from the Gaelic word "congal," which means "lover" or "wicked one." This name was originally taken by a sept that resided in County Mayo and Galway in Ireland. Over time, due to emigration, particularly during the 19th century, the Connor surname became widespread among the Irish diaspora, notably in the United States and Britain. The name Connor is common in both Ireland and Scotland, where it can be found in various spellings such as McConnell or MacConnel, reflecting differences in Anglicization.
Geographical distribution of the last name Connor
The Connor surname has its origins primarily in Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, it is most prevalent in Ulster, particularly counties Antrim and Down, which suggests an early association with Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. In Scotland, the name is found predominantly in the Lothians and Strathclyde regions, indicating a historical presence in lowland Scotland. Over time, emigration from these areas led to the dispersal of Connor descendants across the English-speaking world. Today, significant populations of people with the Connor surname can be found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, where Irish and Scottish immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Connor
The surname Connor is primarily an Anglicized form of the Irish name O'Conchobhair, which originates from the Gaelic clan name Conchobhair or Connachta, meaning "descendant of Conchobhar." Over time, various spelling variations have emerged due to differences in transliteration and transcription.
Some common variants of the last name Connor include:
Connor(e)
Conner(e)
Connorah
Connora
Connur
Konnor
Connorson
Connorsey
Connar
Couner
Cunner
Connier
Connorey
Connery
Connarie
Connoray
Connorrey
Connors
Connard
Cunneen
Cunnigham
Connyngham
Connaghan
Connolly
Connorcy
Connerton
Connorby
Connorton
Connorwick
Connorwood
These variations may also be found with slight differences in punctuation, capitalization, or the inclusion of additional letters due to regional dialects and personal preferences.
Famous people with the last name Connor
Notable individuals sharing the surname Connor include:
1. Arnold Aloysius Connors, an American professional baseball player known for his stint with the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox during the 1970s and 1980s.
2. Caitriona Balfe, a Scottish actress best recognized for her role as Claire Fraser in the Starz television series "Outlander."
3. Jack Connors Sr., an influential American businessman who co-founded the public relations firm Hill and Knowlton and served as its chairman from 1952 to 1978.
4. Michael J. Fox, a Canadian actor and activist, popular for his role as Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" film trilogy, who was later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
5. Nell Connors, an American actress and singer, known for her roles in films such as "The Longest Day" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told."
6. Patrick Connor, an Irish-born military officer who served in the United States Army, becoming a general during the American Civil War and playing a significant role in the Indian Wars of the American West.
7. William Connors, a retired professional wrestler known by his ring names "The Superstar" Billy Graham and "The Natural," who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
Genealogical research on the last name Connor
The surname Connor is primarily of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Ó Conglais" or "Mac Conghail," meaning "descendant of Congal or Conghal." The name emerged as an anglicization of these Gaelic names during the English colonization of Ireland in the late Middle Ages. The Connor clan was a powerful Gaelic Irish dynasty, ruling over part of modern-day County Antrim in Ulster. One of its most notable members was Art MacConn O'Neill, who served as High King of Ireland in the 16th century. Over time, the name Connor spread throughout Ireland and eventually migrated to other parts of the world due to Irish diaspora. Today, significant populations of people with the surname Connor can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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