Gannon is a surname of Irish origin that has been adopted as a given name in recent years. The name comes from the Gaelic word "agan" which means "little fire". In Ireland, the surname was originally found in County Kerry and was often associated with professional warriors known as "galloglass".
The Galloglass were mercenary soldiers who came to Ireland from Scotland and the Isles of Mann and Arran during the 13th century. They served powerful Irish families such as the O'Donnells and the O'Neills, earning their name due to their fierce fighting style and impressive physical stature.
Over time, the surname Gannon became associated with these warriors and spread throughout Ireland. Today, it is one of the most common Irish surnames and can be found in many different parts of the world where people of Irish descent have settled.
As a given name, Gannon has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and association with Irish heritage. It is often chosen by parents looking for a strong, distinctive name for their son that also has historical significance.
In conclusion, Gannon is an Irish surname turned given name that is associated with strength, bravery, and fierce determination thanks to its origins among the Galloglass warriors of medieval Ireland.
"The name Gannon saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1998 and peaking in 2003 (with 283 births), after which it began to gradually decrease. Between 2014 and 2023, there was a substantial drop in its usage, with only 97 births recorded in 2023."