Show ContentsObannon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Obannon

What does the name Obannon mean?

The Obannon name is derived from the Gaelic ó Banàin, though there has been much confusion about this name involving the Irish Gaelic word bàn, which means "white."

Early Origins of the Obannon family

The surname Obannon was first found in the barony of Clonisk, in the southern tip of County Offaly (Irish: Uíbh Fháilí) originally the Kingdom of Uí Failghe, located in central Ireland in the Province of Leinster, where a Medieval Sept of this name was found.

Early History of the Obannon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Obannon research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1152, 1172, 1316, 1319, 1585, 1659, 1796, 1798, 1842 and 1865 are included under the topic Early Obannon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Obannon Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Banain, O'Bannon, Banim, O'Bannaghan, Bannaghan, O'Banan and many more.

Early Notables of the Obannon family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Obannon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Obannon Ranking

In the United States, the name Obannon is the 9,204th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


Obannon migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Obannon Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • William O'Bannon, who was granted land in Virginia in 1764
Obannon Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mannie O'Bannon, aged 42, who settled in America from Atlantic City, N.Y., in 1913
  • Dermet O'Bannon, aged 45, who landed in America, in 1921

Contemporary Notables of the name Obannon (post 1700) +

  • Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, American Marine who was the first to hoist an American flag over a captured enemy position (in 1805 in Tripoli). Four U.S. war ships have borne the USS O'Bannon name
  • Frank O’Bannon (b. 1930), American politician, Governor of Indiana 1997 to 2003
  • Daniel Thomas O'Bannon (b. 1946), American film writer and director, whose credits include "Night of the Living Dead" and "Alien"
  • Rockne S. O’Bannon (b. 1955), American television writer and producer
  • Presley O’Bannon (1776-1850), U.S. Marine Corps officer, famous for his exploits in the First Barbary War, eponym of the USS O'Bannon (DD-177), (DD-450) and (DD-987)
  • Helen O’Bannon (1939-1988), American academic and economist
  • Ed O’Bannon (b. 1972), American professional basketball player
  • Dan O’Bannon (b. 1946), American screenwriter and film director
  • Charles O’Bannon (b. 1975), American professional basketball player


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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