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Onesiforo

oh-neh-SEE-foh-roh

Onesiforo is the Spanish form of the Greek name Onesiphoros, meaning 'bringing profit' or 'useful bearer', from onesis ('profit') and phoros ('bearing, bringing'). The name appears in the Second Letter to Timothy in the New Testament, where Onesiphorus is praised by Paul for his faithful assistance.

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At a glance

An exceptionally rare biblical name meaning 'bringing profit', from a New Testament figure praised by Saint Paul.

Etymology & History

Onesiforo comes from Greek Onesiphoros, composed of onesis ('benefit, profit') and phoros ('bearer', from pherein 'to carry'). Together the elements mean 'one who brings benefit'. The name entered Latin as Onesiphorus and Spanish as Onesiforo through the biblical text and the Church feast honoring this figure.

Cultural Significance

Onesiphorus is mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:16-18, praised for repeatedly refreshing Paul and not being ashamed of his imprisonment. The passage is notable in theological discussions of prayer for the dead, as Paul appears to pray for Onesiphorus's household in a way that suggests he may have died. The name is profoundly rare today but carries extraordinary biblical depth.

Famous people named Onesiforo

San Onesiforo

Onesiforo de Pablo

Frequently Asked Questions

Onesiforo means 'bringing profit' or 'useful bearer', from the Greek onesis ('profit') and phoros ('bearing, bringing'). It implies someone who brings benefit to others.

It is pronounced oh-neh-SEE-foh-roh, with five syllables and stress on the third.

Onesiphorus is mentioned in Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (1:16-18), praised for faithfully helping Paul during his imprisonment. He is venerated as a saint with a feast on September 6.

No, Onesiforo is one of the rarest given names in the Spanish-speaking world. It is found mainly in historical records and among the very elderly.

Foro and Oney are the most natural short forms for daily use.

Both names share the Greek root onesis ('profit') and are New Testament figures, but they are distinct biblical persons with different names.

Traditional Spanish names like Manuel, Jose, Rafael, and Luis balance Onesiforo's unusual length and weight.

Siblings named Onesimo, Timoteo, Eusebio, or Nicanor would share Onesiforo's deep biblical and old-world Catholic heritage.
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Names like Onesiforo

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Eusebio

Pious, devout

Eusebio derives from the Greek name Eusebios, formed from eu meaning good or well, and sebein meaning to worship or revere, giving the sense of one who is pious or devout. The name has been carried by early Christian martyrs, influential historians, and, most famously, one of football's greatest ever players. It combines spiritual seriousness with a richly human legacy.

Origin: Spanish
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Nicanor

Victorious army

Nicanor is a Greek name meaning 'victorious army' or 'conqueror of men', from nike ('victory') and aner/andros ('man'). It was borne by several figures in antiquity, including a general of Alexander the Great and one of the seven deacons appointed in the Acts of the Apostles, giving the name both classical and early Christian credentials.

Origin: Spanish
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Onesimo

Profitable, useful

Onesimo is the Spanish form of the Greek name Onesimos, meaning 'profitable', 'useful', or 'beneficial'. It is most famously the name of a runaway slave mentioned in the New Testament's Letter to Philemon, whose story is one of the most intimate and personal narratives in the epistles of Paul.

Origin: Spanish
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Timoteo

Honoring God, one who honors God

Timoteo is the Italian form of Timothy, derived from the Greek Timotheos, composed of the elements time meaning 'honor,' 'reverence,' or 'worth' and theos meaning 'God.' The combined meaning is 'one who honors God' or 'honoring the divine.' The name has strong New Testament credentials as the name of Paul's closest companion and co-author.

Origin: Italian
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Where you'll find Onesiforo

Onesiforo shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.

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