Candace is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word "Kandake," which was used as a title for female rulers in Meroe, an ancient kingdom located in what is now Sudan. The title Kandake means "moist or fertile land" and was likely associated with the rich agricultural lands surrounding the capital city of Meroe.
The name Candace gained popularity in English-speaking countries after it was used in the New Testament of the Bible. In Acts 8:27, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is a member of the court of "Candace," which has been interpreted as a reference to the queen of Meroe. This passage introduced the name Candace to a wider audience and contributed to its adoption as a given name in English-speaking countries.
Today, Candace is often associated with individuals who are strong-willed, independent, and confident, reflecting the historical association with female rulers. However, it is important to note that these traits are not universally applicable to all individuals named Candace, and each person should be valued for their unique qualities and experiences.
In terms of popularity, Candace has appeared in the top 1000 names for girls in several English-speaking countries over the years but has never reached widespread popularity. Its usage has been relatively consistent since the mid-20th century, with peaks in popularity occurring during the 1970s and 1980s.
In conclusion, Candace is a unique name with a rich history rooted in ancient African royalty. While it may not be one of the most popular names today, its distinct origins and meaning make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Candace has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. It first appeared in the top baby names lists in 1949 with five births that year. This was followed by another peak in 1951, also with five births.
There was then a gap of several years before the name resurfaced in 1962 with another five births. The trend continued with nine births in 1969 and six births each in 1975 and 1977.
The popularity of Candace began to rise significantly in the early 1980s. There were eleven births in both 1980 and 1982, followed by ten births in 1983. The name reached its peak popularity in 1984 with sixteen births that year.
However, this high was not sustained as there were only nine births in 1985. The next few years saw fluctuations in the number of Candace births, with a total of eighty-eight births between 1980 and 1991.
Despite these fluctuations, Candace remains a unique name that has been given to over one hundred fifty-nine babies in the United States since 1949. This demonstrates that while it may not be among the most popular names, Candace continues to appeal to parents looking for something distinctive for their daughters.