All about the name CANDIDA

Meaning, origin, history.

Candida is a rare and unique female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "candidus," which means "pure" or "white." The name Candida was traditionally given to girls born with fair complexions or light hair, as it was believed that they embodied purity and innocence.

The name Candida has a rich history in literature and art. In the Middle Ages, it was used as the name of a female saint in several hagiographies. Saint Candida is said to have been a young girl who lived a life of piety and devotion to God. She became known for her miracles and was eventually canonized by the Catholic Church.

In more recent times, the name Candida has been popularized by various figures in literature and film. For instance, it was the name of the protagonist in "Candida," a play written by British playwright George Bernard Shaw. The character is known for her intelligence, wit, and strong will, which contributed to the rise in popularity of the name Candida around the time of the play's premier.

Overall, while Candida may not be as commonly used today, it remains a unique and beautiful name with a rich history and meaningful significance. It embodies purity, innocence, and strength, making it a fitting choice for parents looking for something different and special for their daughter.

Popularity of the name CANDIDA since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The given statistics provide an intriguing look into the usage of the name Candida over time in the United States. From a total of seven births recorded in both 1900 and 1901, the number of newborn girls named Candida fluctuated, with some years seeing as many as eighteen births (in 1918) and others as few as five (in multiple years from 1903 to 2015).

Notably, there was a significant increase in popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1947 alone, there were 36 births, marking a substantial rise from the previous year's 16 births. This trend continued into 1954 with 42 births recorded that year.

However, the popularity of the name Candida began to decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s. By 1963, there were only 23 births recorded, a stark contrast from the heights reached just a decade prior.

In more recent years, the name Candida has become quite rare, with most years recording fewer than ten births each. This includes years such as 2015 and 2017 where only five and six girls respectively were named Candida at birth.

Overall, despite its once-popular status in the mid-20th century, the name Candida has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades, with a total of just over 3,500 births recorded in the United States since 1900.