Candelaria is a Spanish given name for females, derived from the Latin word "candela," which means "candle." The name Candelaria is associated with the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, celebrated on February 2nd in Spain and in several Latin American countries. This feast day honors the Virgin Mary under this title and commemorates her appearance to indigenous Guanche people on the Canary Islands.
The name Candelaria gained popularity during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. It was often given to children born around the time of the feast day or to those whose parents wished for their child to be under the protection of Our Lady of Candelaria. The name has since become a traditional choice among Spanish-speaking families and has been adopted by other cultures as well.
In some cases, Candelaria may also have been inspired by the Candelaria mountain range in Venezuela or by the city of Candelária in Brazil, both of which derive their names from the feast day. However, the primary association of the name remains with the religious figure of Our Lady of Candelaria.
Overall, Candelaria is a unique and culturally significant name that carries historical and religious importance within Spanish-speaking communities.
The name Candelaria has seen a fascinating evolution in its popularity over the years in the United States, as evidenced by the annual birth statistics provided.
Between 1893 and 2023, there have been a total of 2505 births for girls named Candelaria. The name's peak popularity occurred in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with notable spikes in popularity between 1914 and 1929. During this period, the number of annual births with the name Candelaria reached a high of 49 in 1929.
However, after the 1930s, the usage of the name began to decline, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded from 1953 onwards. This trend continued until the late 1960s and early 1970s when the popularity of the name started to increase again. Between 1973 and 2022, there were several years with more than 20 births for girls named Candelaria, reaching a recent peak of 34 births in 2007.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity, the name Candelaria has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past century. It is interesting to observe how cultural trends and personal preferences have influenced the naming choices of parents throughout different eras.