Konnor

Meaning & origin

Konnor is a modern respelling of the classic Irish name Connor, which has ancient roots in Irish legend. The name Connor, derived from Conchobhar, was borne by the legendary King Conchobar mac Nessa of Ulster. The variant Konnor emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive spellings for familiar sounds. In the United States, Konnor first appeared on the naming charts in 1988 and saw a steady rise in use, peaking in 2012. Since that peak year, the name has been on a downward trajectory, dropping to rank 2,539 in 2025, with only 1 in roughly 32,848 boys receiving the name. This pattern reflects a broader trend of modern invented spellings that gain quick popularity but often fade as trends shift. Despite its current decline, Konnor remains a recognizable and accessible choice for parents who favor the sound of Connor but want a more individualized spelling. The name is used across the United States, though it has not been strongly concentrated in any specific top states.

Konnor is a respelling of Connor, an anglicized form of the Irish name Conchobhar, which is composed of the Gaelic elements 'cú' (hound, wolf) and 'cobhar' (desiring). The variant spelling 'Konnor' arose in late 20th-century America as a modern, phonetic adaptation. It gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in the United States.