Conley

Biography

Conley from O′Conghaile or Ó Conghalaigh (“hound valiant”) is a surname of Irish or Manx origin. The anglicized forms Conneely, Connealy, and Cunneely emerged due to the loss of the "gh" sound, which lengthened the second syllable of Conghal. In Connacht, these forms are often shortened from McNeilly, derived from Mac Conghaile. Another possible origin is the West Cork name Mac Coingheallaigh or Ó Coingheallaigh, meaning "faithful to pledges." Historically, O'Connolly was a principal name of County Monaghan. Conley is also used as a male given name, anglicized from Old Irish Conláed, meaning “constant fire,” from cunnail (“prudent, constant”) and áed (“fire”). Alternatively, Connley, with two n’s, derives from Connla (also Connláech), a name that may come from Old Irish cond (“intellect,” “mind, “reason/sense,” or “king”) or cenn (“head,” “chief”). In Irish mythology, Connla is the son of Cú Chulainn and Aífe, who was tragically killed in combat by his father.

Bio from Wikipedia