Nicanor

victorious man (Greek)

Nicanor is a spanish / biblical boy name in the Philippines. PSA rank #396 (17,867 records), 3 syllables.

Spanish / Biblical Spanish colonial
PSA rank
#396
Count
17,867
Syllables
3
Origin
Spanish / Biblical
Historical layer
Spanish colonial
Sound
Strong

Origin and meaning

victorious man (Greek)

Nicanor is of Greek origin meaning 'victor' or 'conqueror of men'. Introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era via the Catholic calendar of saints, it became a standard classic male name across Luzon and the Visayas.

Nicanor derives from the ancient Greek name Nikanor (composed of 'nike' meaning victory and 'aner/andros' meaning man). It entered the Philippine naming tradition through Spanish Catholic influence, associated with Saint Nicanor, one of the Seven Deacons.

Spanish 70% Biblical 30%

Name character

Strength
4/5
Modernity
1/5
Formal feel
3/5
Sound: Strong Warrior Pairs with short or long surnames Travels well High origin confidence

In the Philippines

Commonly shortened to traditional Filipino nicknames like Canor, Kano, Nick, or Nonoy. Today it is largely viewed as a vintage, grandfatherly name.

Best known for: Nicanor Abelardo, renowned Filipino composer known for classical Kundiman songs

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Nicanor with popular surnames

How the first name sits with a mother's maiden surname and father's surname.

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About the name Nicanor

How do I use Nicanor with two Filipino surnames?

Nicanor is the given name. The full name is Nicanor + mother's maiden surname + father's surname. Score a pair from a combination page or the homepage search.

Is Nicanor a common boy name in the Philippines?

PSA rank #396 describes how often this given name appears in Philippine records — not whether it is a better name. Fit with both family surnames still matters more for the birth certificate.