Holding steady, #3,128 for boys today.
Popularity of Connell since 1913
Babies named Connell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 22 |
| 1920s | 74 |
| 1930s | 97 |
| 1940s | 118 |
| 1950s | 232 |
| 1960s | 195 |
| 1970s | 149 |
| 1980s | 110 |
| 1990s | 158 |
| 2000s | 187 |
| 2010s | 197 |
| 2020s | 227 |
Meaning & origin
Connell is an Irish surname turned given name with a strong, wolf-like meaning. First recorded in U.S. data in 1913, it has remained infrequent. In 2025, it ranked 3,128 with roughly 1 in 44,949 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year was 2022, and the trajectory has been stable. The name is most common in Illinois. Its Anglicized form and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible without losing its Celtic roots. While never a top name, Connell has a distinguished heritage and a modern, crisp sound, appealing to parents seeking a name with Irish background that is still uncommon.
Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Conaill, meaning 'descendant of Conall'. The personal name Conall is composed of the elements con ('hound, wolf') and gal ('valor, strength'), thus 'strong as a wolf'. Historically prominent in County Donegal and County Limerick, the name Connell has been used occasionally as a first name, particularly in the United States, and gained some popularity in the 21st century.
Where Connell is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Connell” around the world
Where Connell lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Con, Conn
Sibling names for Connell
Names that share Connell's style, for a brother or sister.
