Kandace is a unique and beautiful female given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by American author Mildred Wirt Benson for her character Nancy Drew in the popular mystery series published in the early 20th century. The name Kandace was first introduced in "The Hidden Staircase," the second book in the series, and has since become associated with the iconic teenage detective.
The meaning of Kandace is not explicitly defined, as it was created rather than having an existing historical or cultural significance. However, some people interpret it as a combination of "Kandy" (a nickname for Candace) and "Ace," suggesting qualities such as sweetness, wisdom, and excellence.
Throughout the Nancy Drew series, Kandace has been a popular name choice among fans, contributing to its recognition and usage in the United States. Today, Kandace remains an uncommon yet distinctive given name that evokes images of intelligence, bravery, and independence – traits embodied by the character it was created for. Despite its origin as a fictional name, Kandace has become a genuine choice for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their daughters.
The name Kandace experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years, with a total of 6308 babies given this name between 1945 and 2023. The peak occurred in 1987 with 244 births, followed by another high point in 1988 with 279 births. However, from the late 1990s onwards, there was a consistent decline, with only 13 births recorded in 2021 and 14 births in 2022.