Nicanor
BoyGreek · Spanish: /ni.ka.ˈnor/; stress on the final syllable
A Greek victory name with a firm Spanish cadence and a connection to Chilean poetry.
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
Spanish: /ni.ka.ˈnor/; stress on the final syllable
Victorious man; victor
Nicanor is a masculine name of Greek origin, usually understood as “victorious man” or “victor”. Its Spanish pronunciation places the emphasis at the end: ni-ca-NOR. The clear k sound and the final r give it a firm outline, while the initial n keeps the opening gentle. To the ear, it has a measured, classical quality. Nicanor appears among the seven men chosen to help the early Christian community in Acts 6. In a very different setting, the Chilean poet Nicanor Parra gave the name a literary association through his antipoetry, which uses everyday speech and irony. That connection adds a playful counterpoint to the name’s stately sound.
Etymology: From Greek Nikánōr (Νικάνωρ), traditionally explained through the Greek words for winning and man. Nicanor is an established Spanish form.
Spelling table
Code
-. .. -.-. .- -. --- .-.
Listen to the dots and dashes, or choose Slow to follow each letter.
Braille
⠠⠝⠊⠉⠁⠝⠕⠗
Name popularity
United States
Latest year: 2025
Boys
RankNot reported
Source
SSA records cover Social Security card applications, not every US birth. Names with fewer than 5 occurrences are omitted; gaps do not mean zero. Spellings are kept separate, except that SSA removes spaces and hyphens. Equal counts are ranked alphabetically. Ranks are calculated separately for boys and girls.
Origin
Greek
Origin
Spanish
Appears in