Find out how popular the first name Cannon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cannon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cannon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Cannon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 430 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Cannon.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Cannon in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Cannon

The name Cannon is an English name derived from the Old French word "canon," meaning a large, cylindrical piece of artillery used for firing projectiles. Its origins can be traced back to the late 13th century when the use of cannons in warfare became more prevalent in Europe.

The name likely gained popularity during the age of exploration and colonization when cannons played a crucial role in naval warfare and the conquest of new territories. It may have been initially used as a surname for individuals involved in the manufacturing or operation of cannons, but over time, it transitioned into a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cannon dates back to the 16th century. In 1586, Cannon Brome, an English clergyman and theologian, was born in Herefordshire, England. He later became the rector of Hartlebury in Worcestershire and published several theological works.

In the 18th century, Cannon Ravenscroft (1696-1756) was a prominent English clergyman and author. He served as the Bishop of Gloucester and published works on religious subjects, including a translation of the New Testament.

During the American Revolutionary War, Cannon Guyer (1761-1848) was a notable figure. He served as a private in the Continental Army and participated in several crucial battles, including the Battle of Monmouth and the Siege of Yorktown.

In the 19th century, Cannon Schmitt (1835-1904) was a German-American businessman and philanthropist. He founded the Schmitt Music Company in Minneapolis, which became one of the largest music publishing and instrument companies in the Midwest.

Another notable figure was Cannon Townsend (1887-1973), an American lawyer and politician. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Delaware's at-large congressional district from 1925 to 1937.

While the name Cannon may not have been widely popular throughout history, it has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including clergymen, soldiers, businessmen, and politicians. The name's association with artillery and warfare has likely contributed to its enduring legacy and unique historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cannon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cannon, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!