Gannon

Gannon is an Irish surname used as a first name, commonly traced to Mag Fhionnáin, referring to a descendant of Fionnán. Fionnán is a diminutive built from the Irish word fionn, meaning “fair” or “white.” The name therefore carries a family relationship in its older form, rather than simply being an adjective applied directly to a child.

The surname has strong historical connections with western Ireland, particularly Connacht. Different Irish forms have been represented by Gannon in English, so a particular family’s records may add detail to that broad background. As a given name, Gannon keeps the recognizable shape of the surname and offers a route to Irish heritage that is distinct from choosing the older personal name Fionnán itself.