Nicanor is a unique and distinctive given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Latin name Nikephorus, which is composed of two elements: "nike", meaning victory, and "phoros", meaning bearer. Therefore, Nicanor translates to "bearer of victory".
The name Nicanor has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was borne by several notable figures in history, including:
* Saint Nicanor, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century who was executed during the reign of Emperor Decius.
* Nikephoros I, also known as Nikephoros the Elder, who was Byzantine Emperor from 802 to 811 AD.
Despite its historical significance and unique meaning, Nicanor is not a common name today. In fact, it is quite rare and can be considered somewhat exotic due to its Spanish origin and distinctive sound. However, for those who choose this name, they are likely drawn to its unique qualities and rich history.
The name Nicanor has been given to a total of 787 children in the United States between the years 1913 and 2023, according to the statistics provided. The number of births per year varies greatly over this period.
During the early years (1913-1965), there were fewer than 10 births each year, with some years having only a single birth. For example, in 1918 and 1927, there were just six births each year, while in 1934 and 1953, there was only one.
The name's popularity began to rise in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1954, there were 13 births, which was a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued into the 1960s, with double-digit figures recorded each year between 1962 and 1971.
The peak in popularity for Nicanor occurred during the late 1980s to early 1990s. The highest number of births was recorded in 1993, with 17 babies named Nicanor that year. This period also saw other years with double-digit birth figures: 1981 (19 births), 1984 (12 births), and 1989 (13 births).
Since the mid-1990s, the popularity of the name has decreased steadily but remained relatively stable. Between 1995 and 2023, there have been at least six births each year, with most years having between eight and twelve births.
In conclusion, while Nicanor was not a highly popular name in the United States throughout its history, it did experience periods of increased popularity, particularly during the late 1980s to early 1990s. Despite fluctuations over time, the name has consistently been given to a small number of children each year since 1913.