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Cannon

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAN-on /ˈkæn.ən/High

Meaning: From the Old French canon meaning 'large tube' (related to the weapon), from Italian cannone, from Latin canna (reed, tube); also an English occupational surname for a church canon (from Latin canonicus, a cleric living under church rules)High

In 30 seconds: Cannon is a bold, powerful surname-name with a built-in image of force and momentum. It fits the trend for strong, impactful boys names and carries a rugged American frontier energy alongside its ecclesiastical canon heritage.
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Origin HighOld French, Latin
MeaningFrom the Old French canon meaning 'large tube' (related to the weapon), from Italian cannone, from Latin canna (reed, tube); also an English occupational surname for a church canon (from Latin canonicus, a cleric living under church rules)
U.S. rank (2025)#722 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births374 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,976

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119042025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cannon is an English surname with two distinct origins: the word for the artillery weapon (from Old French/Italian cannone) and the ecclesiastical canon (from Latin canonicus). As a given name it is a modern American choice belonging to the trend for strong, impactful surname-names.

Cannon has been used as a given name in the United States primarily since the late 20th century. Its bold, forceful imagery appeals to parents who want a strong, assertive name. Nick Cannon, the American entertainer, is the most visible bearer.

Did you know? The word cannon (the weapon) and canon (the church official or rule of scripture) are spelled differently but both derive from the Latin canna (tube, reed) — making Cannon a name that accidentally unites the sacred and the martial in one sound.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Cannon — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CanonCanen

Nicknames

CanCanno

Famous Bearers

  • ★Nick Cannon (1980–present)
    American television host, rapper, and entertainer.

If you like Cannon…

Hunter— shares the strong, action-associated occupational feel with rugged American energy
Maverick— fellow bold, assertive name with an independent western American spirit
Ranger— parallel strong occupational-adjacent surname name with frontier associations
Tucker— shares the Old English occupational surname heritage and the two-syllable rhythm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cannon mean?

Cannon relates to the Old French/Italian word for the artillery weapon, from Latin canna (tube). It also shares a root with canon, a church official.

How do you pronounce Cannon?

Cannon is pronounced KAN-on /ˈkæn.ən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Cannon a popular boys name?

Cannon has been rising in the United States since the late 20th century as part of the trend for strong, bold surname-style names for boys.

Is Cannon a first name or a last name?

Cannon is primarily a surname that has been adopted as a given name. It is used as a first name in the U.S.