In researching the annals of Fanny Bay, several versions have surfaced as to the origin of "Fanny".  Some undoubtedly have been exaggerated over time, others have been fabricated to enhance sagas of the area, and likewise magnified.

One story tells of an early settler rowing his family around Baynes Sound on a Sunday afternoon excursion.  His daughter or wife suddenly becomes ill, sending him to the nearest land to seek medical aid. He lands of the shores of what becomes Fanny Bay.  His daughter's or wife's name is Fanny.

Another tale has Captain George Vancouver himself charting the coastal waters and naming the bay after his first mate's wife.

Then there is the whale of a tale (excuse the pun!) of the fair native maiden with an ample posterior who was sighted strolling the bay's beaches by the crew of an anchored ship.

We're close to confirming as factual the most plausible rendition: that Fanny Bay was named for a relative or friend of Capt. G.H. Richards, RN. who sailed local waters and also named Henry Bay off Denman Island.