Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Cannon

Cannon is the English vocabulary word defining a weapon of heavy artillery which historically fired iron balls through a tube-like structure. The English borrowed the word from the Italian “cannone” meaning “large tube” itself derived from the Latin “canna” meaning “reed” (a hollow tube object). The term “cannon” dates back to the early 14th century when English cannons were first deployed in the Hundred Years’ War. We now think of cannons as something mounted on a warship or rapid-fire aircraft guns. Alternately, Cannon could also be considered the transferred use of a medieval English surname derived from a nickname typically given to a person demonstrating religious behavior related to “The Canon” (laws of the Church). In this case, the name would have developed from the Latin “canon” meaning “rule, discipline”. Lastly, the surname Cannon could have developed from the Irish “O’Canain” from the Gaelic “cana” meaning “wolf-cub”. The surname first appeared in England in the late 12th century in the form of Canun. Most likely, however, since Cannon is a given name used only in the United States, we’re guessing most American parents are referring to the weapon in the same vein as a name like Gunner.

All About the Baby Name – Cannon

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CANNON

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CANNON

Cannon first fired his shot onto the American male naming charts in 2003, so this is a name that’s only been around for a very short while. It has also been increasing in usage. Although Cannon’s popularity is far from “explosive”, the name is doing remarkably well in a few short years. There are a few other masculine names on the charts today reminiscent of Cannon such as Archer, Gunner, Hunter, Jett, Lance, and Talon all of which we would categorize as “weapon” related names. Parents interested in a name like Cannon for this reason are looking for overly macho names. What’s ironic however is that the mighty Cannon is also linked to a few gentler possibilities. For instance, the Japanese “Kanon” means “sound of the flower” and Canan is a Turkish name meaning “beloved”. If that’s not enough, Kannon (anglicized from Guanyin) is a female deity in Buddhist tradition and a goddess of mercy. So from this perspective, Cannon can either be strong, powerful and explosive; or it can be soft, gentle and loving. Who would have thunk? We also believe that TV personality Larry King helped bring Cannon to the forefront when he (at the age of 66) named his last son Cannon in 2000.

Quick Facts

ON CANNON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

547

PRONUNCIATION:

KAN-әn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Large tube; Heavy explosive weapon

Characteristics

OF CANNON

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Cannon

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CANNON

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Cannon

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CANNON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Cannon


Popular Songs

ON CANNON

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Cannon


Famous People

NAMED CANNON

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Cannon.

Children of Famous People

NAMED CANNON

Mariah Carey; Nick Cannon;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CANNON

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Cannon