Fanon is an uncommon given name of African origin, derived from the West African name Fanion, which means "to trust" in Yoruba culture. It is predominantly used as a masculine name but can also be found as a feminine name in some cultures. The name Fanon has gained recognition worldwide due to its association with influential figures such as Frantz Fanon, a prominent Algerian psychiatrist and philosopher known for his contributions to postcolonial studies. However, it remains relatively rare as a given name, making it distinctive and unique.
Fanon was a popular name for babies born in 1972, with five newborns sharing this name that year.