This name was given according to the English practice of adding the term "ton" to a name, denoting a town.

Subdivision of the suburb of Cannington began in 1882.

A railway station was constructed there in the early 1890's and was named Cannington.

The area surrounding this station soon became known by this name.

Suburbs and Towns within the Electorate include:
Beckenham; Cannington; East Cannington; Ferndale; Langford; Lynwood; Queens Park; and parts of Bentley; Kenwick; Thornlie; Wattle Grove; Welshpool and Wilson.