The Irish surname Bannon is associated with a diverse array of notable individuals spanning various fields throughout history. Ann Bannon (born 1932) is celebrated as a pioneering American author of lesbian pulp fiction, while in politics, Henry T. Bannon (1867–1950) served as a U.S. Congressman from Ohio and John Bannon (1943–2015) was a prominent Australian politician and academic. The name also features prominently in entertainment, including classic actor Jim Bannon (1911–1984) and the unique martial artist and actress Christine Bannon-Rodrigues (born 1966).
More recently, Steve Bannon (born 1953) has gained widespread recognition as an American media executive and political strategist. The surname's reach extends further to numerous athletes, coaches like basketball's Kevin Bannon (born 1957), and even includes a notorious American fraudster, David "Race" Bannon. Reflecting its presence in popular culture, the name is also famously carried by the fictional character "Race" Bannon from the Jonny Quest TV series.