A Short Name with a Long History

Con is primarily a short form of the given name Conor, which itself derives from the Irish name Coinrí. Coinrí is composed of ‘coin’ meaning ‘raven’ and ‘rí’ meaning ‘king,’ thus suggesting “raven king.” The name has strong ties to Irish mythology and history, and its use as a standalone name gained traction in the 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

IPA: /kɒn/

Phonetic: kon

Gender Identity

male

Nickname Potential

  • None – primarily used as a short form

Notable Individuals

  • Con O’Brien — Irish actor and comedian
  • Con Keating — American actor

Cultural Context

Con has strong associations with Irish culture and heritage. It’s a name that evokes a sense of strength, royalty, and connection to ancient traditions. While not as common as its full form Conor, Con offers a more concise and contemporary alternative.

Regional Popularity

Con is most frequently found in Ireland, the United States (particularly among those of Irish descent), and the United Kingdom. Its popularity has seen fluctuations over time but remains relatively stable within these regions.

Similar Names

Quick Questions

Is Con biblical?

No, Con is not a biblical name. It originates from Irish mythology.

What does Con mean?

As a short form of Conor, meaning ‘raven king’.