O'Connor Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the O'Connor surname: its meaning, its roots in Ireland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the O'Connor name
O'Connor comes from Ó Conchobhair, "descendant of Conchobhar", a name often read as "lover of hounds". The O'Connors of Connacht gave Ireland its last two High Kings, Turlough and Rory. Other independent septs arose in Kerry, Offaly and Clare.
Our historical archives hold much more on the O'Connor name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the O'Connor name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and England; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full O'Connor family history
The researched O'Connor pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized O'Connor coat of arms.
O'Connor name FAQ
What does the O'Connor name mean?
Descendant of Conchobhar. Common variants include Connor, Conner, O'Conor.
Where does the O'Connor surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, Australia and England.
Is there a O'Connor coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single O'Connor crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized O'Connor coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).