Nicanor
From Ancient Greek Nικάνωρ (Nikánōr)
Every Nicanor since 1913 — 787 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nicanor
Nicanor is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1913, 787 American babies have been named Nicanor. Its peak came in 1982, when 20 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1980s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nicanor stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nicanor year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | 7 | #10,485 |
| 2022 | 10 | #8,137 |
| 2021 | 8 | #9,434 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11,578 |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | 7 | #10,421 |
| 2017 | 9 | #8,635 |
| 2016 | 8 | #9,429 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11,686 |
| 2014 | 8 | #9,375 |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | 8 | #9,361 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9,418 |
| 2009 | 9 | #8,790 |
| 2008 | 10 | #8,113 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8,711 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6,783 |
| 2005 | 14 | #5,793 |
| 2004 | 11 | #6,843 |
| 2003 | 6 | #10,491 |
| 2002 | 16 | #4,849 |
| 2001 | 12 | #5,916 |
| 2000 | 12 | #5,808 |
| 1995 | 12 | #5,026 |
| 1990 | 6 | #7,814 |
| 1985 | 9 | #4,581 |
| 1980 | 12 | #3,553 |
| 1975 | 11 | #3,373 |
| 1970 | 7 | #4,111 |
| 1965 | 6 | #3,810 |
| 1960 | 13 | #2,397 |
| 1955 | 7 | #3,410 |
| 1950 | 5 | #4,044 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | 7 | #3,640 |
| 1920 | 5 | #4,767 |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Nicanor
- Nicanor the Deacon Religious figure · 1–76
- Nicanor Parra Writer · 1914–2018
- Nicanor Duarte Politician · b. 1956
- Nicanor de Carvalho Coach · 1947–2018
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nicanor mean?
From Ancient Greek Nικάνωρ (Nikánōr)
How popular is the name Nicanor in 2025?
Nicanor did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Nicanor?
787 babies have been named Nicanor in the United States since 1913, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nicanor most popular?
Nicanor peaked in 1982, when 20 newborns received the name.
Is Nicanor a boy or girl name?
Nicanor is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nicanor rising or falling?
Nicanor is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Nicanor?
Well-known people named Nicanor include Nicanor the Deacon (religious figure), Nicanor Parra (writer), Nicanor Duarte (politician).