MallowbyNames

Conlan

KON-lan · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from an Irish surname meaning 'hero' or 'champion'.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,243
Babies named in 2025
9
Peak popularity
2005
2025 frequency
1 in 189,786 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2006

Declining since 2006, #8,243 for boys today.

Popularity of Conlan since 1987

Babies named Conlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1733501990200020102020Most births 2005Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1980s22
1990s175
2000s364
2010s272
2020s81

Meaning & origin

Conlan is a masculine given name of Irish origin that entered U.S. naming records in 1987. Its popularity peaked in 2005, when it ranked highest, but it has been on a gradual decline since 2006. As of 2025, Conlan ranks 8,243 with an estimated 1 in 189,786 newborns receiving the name. While still uncommon, it remains a recognizable choice within the broader trend of Irish surname-names. The name has not yet appeared in top state rankings, suggesting a scattered but consistent presence across the country.

Conlan is a relatively modern first name, derived from the Irish surname Ó Conalláin, meaning 'descendant of Conallán'. The root Conall incorporates 'con' (hound or wolf) and 'gal' (valor), giving a sense of 'strong wolf' or 'hound of valor'. The name saw occasional use in Ireland before being adopted more broadly in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, from the late 20th century onward.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Con, Lanny

Variants: Conlon, Conlin

Sibling names for Conlan

Names that share Conlan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Conlan, our favorite little boy.

C is for Conlan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Conlan's letter becomes Conlan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Conlan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Conlan mean?
Conlan is believed to be of Irish origin, derived from a surname meaning 'hero' or 'champion', though its exact meaning is uncertain.
How popular is the name Conlan?
In 2025, Conlan ranked 8,243 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 189,786 babies given the name. It peaked in popularity in 2005 and has been falling since 2006.
Is Conlan a boy or girl name?
Conlan is primarily a masculine name, though it can be used for any gender.