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Last Name Gannon

What is the origin of the last name Gannon?

The surname Gannon is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Ó Gaobhain" or "Mac Gabhann." Both translate to "descendant of the smith" or "son of the smith." This name was most often found in counties Tyrone and Donegal in Ulster, Ireland. The Irish diaspora brought this surname to various parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Wales, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gannon

The meaning and origin of the last name Gannon

The surname Gannon originates from Ireland, specifically from County Donegal and County Mayo, where it is most prevalent. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Gaibheann, which translates to "descendant of Gaibhean." Gaibhean was a personal name derived from gaibhin, meaning "handsome" or "attractive" in Old Irish. Over time, as Irish families assimilated into English-speaking culture, their names were anglicized, resulting in variations like Gannon. Today, the surname Gannon is found not only in Ireland but also in other countries with a significant Irish diaspora, such as the United States and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gannon

The surname Gannon is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, with a significant concentration in the northern counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Monaghan, and Fermanagh in Ireland, as well as in parts of Ulster, particularly County Down, in Northern Ireland. Additionally, there are notable populations of people with the last name Gannon in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Lanarkshire and Glasgow. A smaller number of individuals carrying the surname Gannon can also be found in England, Wales, and other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns, including the United States and Australia. The origin of the name Gannon is uncertain, with some suggesting it derives from the Irish word "gadh-in" meaning "dog of Innis", while others propose it may be a variant of the Old English name "Cana" or "Canon".

Variants and spellings of the last name Gannon

The surname Gannon can be found with various spellings and variations due to phonetic and regional differences in transcription. Common spelling variants include: Gannon, O'Gannon (an Anglicized form of the Irish O'Gaibhtheacháin), Gallagher (a distinct Irish surname that has been confused with Gannon at times due to similar sounding Gaelic roots), Gunne, Gun, and even Gawne or Gaunce. These variations are mainly a result of historical migration patterns, differences in recording practices over time, and assimilation into different cultures. The name is most prevalent in Ireland, England, and Scotland, but it also has a presence in other English-speaking countries due to diaspora movements.

Famous people with the last name Gannon

The Gannon surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In sports, Steve Gannon is recognized as a professional American football player who played for teams such as the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys during his career spanning over a decade. Meanwhile, in the entertainment industry, Lisa Gannon gained fame as a Canadian television host, best known for her work on the popular talk show "The Maury Povich Show." In the world of academia, James Gannon is an influential author and scholar specializing in medieval studies. Additionally, Richard Gannon, an American military officer, was a four-star general in the United States Air Force and served as the Vice Chief of Staff from 1992 to 1994. Lastly, in the realm of music, Dana Glover (née Gannon), known professionally as Dana Glover, is an accomplished R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer who has collaborated with artists like Michael Jackson and Prince.

Genealogical research on the last name Gannon

The Gannon surname is of Irish origin, primarily found in Ulster and Connacht provinces, suggesting it may be of Norman or Anglo-Saxon descent. Early records show the name appearing as "O'Gaodhun" (descendant of Gaodhan), a Gaelic name meaning "descendent of the brown-haired one." The anglicized form "Gannon" emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries as English rule extended into Ireland, with many Irish families adopting English surnames. Notable individuals bearing the name include Sir John Gannon, an Irish military officer who fought in the Jacobite Wars, and Edward J. Gannon, a U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania. The Gannon family has also made significant contributions to Irish literature, with authors such as Denis Johnston (playwright) and P.L. Travers (author of Mary Poppins) among its ranks. Genealogical research continues to uncover the rich history and diverse connections within the Gannon lineage.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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