O’Connor is a prominent Irish surname, representing the anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Conchobhair, meaning "descendant of Conchobar." The root name Conchobar itself derives from Old Irish elements cú "hound, dog, wolf" (genitive con) and cobar "desiring," thus signifying "wolf-lover" or "hound of desire." Other Anglicized forms include Connor and the more phonetic O'Conner. Historically, the Ó Conchobhair clan was one of the most powerful dynasties in medieval Ireland, ruling the kingdom of Connacht from the 10th to the 16th centuries. They are notably associated with several High Kings of Ireland, including Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his son Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (c. 1116–1198), who was the last High King of Ireland before the Anglo-Norman invasion. The surname is thus deeply intertwined with Irish noble heritage and resistance to English domination. Notable Bearers The name has been carried by many distinguished figures in politics, arts, and sciences. Sandra Day O’Connor (1930–2023) was the first woman to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. In sports, Feargus O’Connor (1794–1855) was a leading figure in the Chartist movement in England. Literature remembers Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964), an acclaimed American author of Southern Gothic novels and short stories. In music, Sinéad O’Connor (1966–2023) was a renowned Irish singer-songwriter. The surname has also been a staple in American pop culture through characters on television shows and films. Distribution and Variation Today O’Connor is widespread not only in Ireland but also throughout the Anglosphere, especially the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain. Significant O’Connor populations also exist in Argentina, where many Irish immigrants settled in the 19th century. The surname sometimes appears without the apostrophe in modern usage, a common simplification—according to the 2010 United States Census, the family name “Oconner” (without apostrophe) is among the most common Irish surnames in the country. Meaning: “Descendant of Conchobar” (wolf-lover) Origin: Irish Gaelic (Irish) Type: Patronymic surname Usage regions: Ireland, English-speaking world, Argentina