Conan

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A fictional character known for his adventures in a fantasy setting, often portrayed as a barbarian hero
2. A prominent figure in fantasy literature, characterized by strength, combat skills, and a questing spirit
3. The legendary protagonist from a series of stories and films, celebrated for his prowess in battle and exploration of mystical worlds

Etymology: The name "Conan" is Irish, and its meaning is surprisingly modest: it comes from a Primitive Irish word "conann," a derivative of the Proto-Celtic word for "dog." A hero named after a hound is an odd pedigree for the most famous sword-swinging barbarian in fiction. The name belonged to real Irish people long before any fantasy writer used it. Its Irish form, Conán, goes back through Middle Irish, the stage of the language spoken in the medieval period. The fantasy meaning came much later, from the character Robert E. Howard created for his pulp stories, which made the name a byword for brawny, axe-wielding heroism. Its use as a common noun for such a hero is therefore a modern extension of a personal name.