Conall

Meaning & origin

Conall is a traditional Irish and Scottish name with ancient roots, meaning "strong as a wolf." While it has never been common in the United States, it has seen a modest presence since first appearing in Social Security records in 1983. Its popularity peaked in 2017, and as of 2025 it ranks 5,045 with an incidence of 1 in 89,899 births. The name's trajectory has been declining since 2017, though it remains a distinctive choice within Celtic naming traditions. Conall has not been recorded in any top states, indicating its spread is thin across the country. The name's etymology ties it to early Irish royalty and saints, giving it a sense of historical depth despite its rarity in modern American usage.

Conall derives from Old Irish Conall, a compound of cú "hound, wolf" and gal "valor, fury." It was borne by several early Irish kings and saints, including a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The name has remained in continuous use in Ireland and Scotland, and saw a modest revival in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century.