To some, Nicander (nih-CAN-dur) might seem like a made-up smoosh name - Nick + Andrew or something like that. However, I assure you this saint name is legit, although it remains so rare that there are no statistics in the U.S. for it. From the name Nicandros this name means "man of victory." And the fact that it sounds so close to Nick, Andrew, Alexander, Leander, etc makes it that much more wearable. Hearing it once also packs a punch.
Nicander of Colophon was a Greek poet, physician and grammarian, but only two of his works survive. Many other "greats" were inspired by him, such as Ovid and Pliny.
Nicander of Sparta was a Greek king who reigned between c.750 and c.725, but not too much is known about him.
There are only a few other namesakes throughout history, some of which go by the international spelling Nicandro. Nicknames for both could be Nick, Nico, or Andy. There are also a few saints of the name, including Nicander the Egyptian physician, Nicander of Bulgaria, Nicander the bishop, and the patron saint of Venfro, Italy.
Nicandra is the super rare feminine variant.
Nicander of Colophon was a Greek poet, physician and grammarian, but only two of his works survive. Many other "greats" were inspired by him, such as Ovid and Pliny.
Nicander of Sparta was a Greek king who reigned between c.750 and c.725, but not too much is known about him.
There are only a few other namesakes throughout history, some of which go by the international spelling Nicandro. Nicknames for both could be Nick, Nico, or Andy. There are also a few saints of the name, including Nicander the Egyptian physician, Nicander of Bulgaria, Nicander the bishop, and the patron saint of Venfro, Italy.
Nicandra is the super rare feminine variant.
It's intriguing, if a bit awkward. I think the sound could grow on me, though!
ReplyDeleteA similar name is Nicanor, found in ancient Macedon and borne by the Chilean poet Nicanor Parra.