It is common outside Ireland for the clan name O' Connor to lose its Gaelic identity and to be found spelt as Conor, Connor, Connors, Connar and Conner, but all are originally descendants of "Conchobhair". Historically the clan is the most famous of the Irish, representing the last true Irish Monarchy. The name translates as "The descendant of hound - desire", a Viking type compound of the pre 8th Century when Ireland was invaded by the Norsemen. The clan O' Connor has six distinct septs, originally from Connacht, the largest sept is now in Munster (County Kerry). In England recordings include Edward Connor (1717, St. Dunstans, London) and Edward Conner (1744, Christ Church, Spitalfields, London). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of The Chief Conchobhar, which was dated 971, died in Connacht, Ireland, during the reign of High King of Ireland, (circa 925 - 971). Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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