Canice is a unique and distinctive Irish name with an interesting history and meaning behind it. Derived from the Latin word 'Canicius', which means 'canon' or 'priest', Canice is believed to have been a popular name among early Christians due to its religious connotations.
The name Canice has been associated with Saint Canice, who was an Irish abbot and bishop of the 6th century. Born into a noble family in County Kilkenny, Ireland, he became a monk at a young age and later founded several monasteries throughout the country. Saint Canice is revered as one of Ireland's patron saints and his name has been passed down through generations, contributing to its enduring popularity.
In terms of its pronunciation and spelling, Canice is often anglicized from its original Irish form, Cáinche, with variations such as Cainneach or Cainc. It can be spelled in several ways including Canice, Kannike, Canek, Cainic, and even Kennith. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name remains consistent: 'priest' or 'canon'.
Today, Canice continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful Irish name for their child. Its rich history and unique sound make it stand out as both a classic and modern option simultaneously. While it may not be as commonly heard as some other Irish names like Patrick or Declan, those who bear the name Canice carry with them a sense of tradition and spiritual significance that sets them apart from others.
The data provided shows the number of births with the given name Canice in the United States from 1952 to 1984. There were five births in both 1952 and 1956, followed by six births in 1958. The number of births peaked in 1979 with nine occurrences, after which there were seven births in 1980 and six births in 1984.
Over this span of thirty-two years, a total of thirty-eight babies were born with the name Canice in the United States. This shows that while the name was not extremely popular during this period, it was consistently present among newborns each year, with no more than nine births in any given year.