O'Connor surname: meaning and origin
O'Connor means descendant of Conchobhar, a name often explained as hound-lover. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Roscommon, Sligo, Kerry and Offaly.
| Irish form | Ó Conchobhair |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Conchobhar, a name often explained as hound-lover |
| Home region | Roscommon, Sligo, Kerry and Offaly (Connacht) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Connor, Conner |
History of the O'Connor name
There were several O'Connor dynasties. The best known were the kings of Connacht, who included Ruaidrí Ó Conchobair, the last High King of Ireland.
The first name behind O'Connor
This surname comes from an old given name. Read about it: Conor, Conchobar.
In Irish myth
The name looks back to a figure from Irish mythology.
More surnames from Connacht
- Burkede Búrca · of the fortress or town
- ConnollyÓ Conghaile · descendant of Conghal
- EganMac Aodhagáin · son of Aodhagán
- FlanaganÓ Flannagáin · descendant of Flannagán
- HigginsÓ hUiginn · descendant of Uiginn
- JoyceSeoighe · from a Breton personal name
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Connor mean?
O'Connor (Irish: Ó Conchobhair) means descendant of Conchobhar, a name often explained as hound-lover.
What is the Irish spelling of O'Connor?
The Irish-language form of O'Connor is Ó Conchobhair.
Where is the surname O'Connor from?
O'Connor is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Roscommon, Sligo, Kerry and Offaly in Connacht.
What are other spellings of O'Connor?
Related spellings and forms include Connor, Conner.