Talon is a modern English given name derived from the word talon, meaning "claw" of a bird of prey. The word ultimately originates from Latin talus "anklebone", passing through Norman French and Old French talon (meaning heel). As a surname, Talon first emerged in medieval France and England from this same root, often as a nickname for someone with a deformed heel or a swift runner; it is also a diminutive of Talbot and Talleyrand. The transition to a given name is a recent phenomenon, tied to the natural-world appeal of the word talon and its fierce, predatory associations. Notable bearers of the surname include the French-born painter Jean-Baptiste Talon (1626–1694), who served as Intendant of New France, supervising the colony's development and census-taking. In modern contexts, the given name Talon — often spelled Talan or Talen — is sometimes seen as a unisex choice, though it is predominantly used for boys. It fits a stylistic trend of strong, natural-word names such as Claw, Fang, and Talon itself. Meaning: "talon, claw" Origin: English, via Norman French and Latin Type: Given name (modern usage) Usage Regions: English-speaking countries, especially the United States