Nicanor is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Nicanus, which was itself drawn from the Etruscan 'Nixatru'. It translates to 'nocturnal' or 'of the night', likely referring to an ancestor born at night or having nocturnal habits. The name was popular among early Christians due to its association with Saint Nicanor, who is mentioned in Acts 6:5 of the New Testament. However, it has since become quite rare, even in its native Italy.
"The name Nicanor had its most popular years in the late 20th century and early 21st century, with peaks of 19 births in 1981, 20 births in 1982, and 16 births in 2002. However, it started declining significantly from the mid-1970s onwards, dropping to its lowest point in recent years with only 6 births in 2020."