Candace is a beautiful and unique name of Greek origin. It means "luminous" or "shining," which gives it a bright and radiant quality. The name Candace first appears in the Bible, specifically in Acts 8:27-40, where it is used as the title of an Ethiopian queen. This biblical association has contributed to its enduring popularity throughout history.
The name Candace has been used for centuries, with some notable historical figures bearing this name. One such figure is Candace of Ethiopia, also known as Queen Candace or Queen Makeda, who was a powerful ruler in the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia during the 1st century BCE. According to legend, she traveled to Jerusalem and was converted to Judaism by the prophet Elijah. This story has contributed to her enduring legacy and has helped to popularize the name Candace throughout various cultures.
Today, Candace remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its bright and luminous meaning continues to appeal to those who wish to bestow a special name that signifies light and radiance upon their child. In addition, its unique sound and spelling make it memorable and easy to pronounce, adding to its overall appeal.
Overall, Candace is a beautiful and significant name with a rich history and cultural heritage. Its luminous meaning, biblical associations, and notable historical figures have contributed to its enduring popularity and enduring legacy as a distinctive and meaningful name for girls.
The name Candace experienced significant popularity fluctuations over time, with a notable peak in the late 1940s to mid-1950s. From 1942 onwards, there was a sharp increase in births named Candace, reaching a high of 1835 births in 1952. However, by the late 1950s, popularity began to decline steadily, dropping from 846 births in 1958 to just 54 births in 2023. The total number of births with the name Candace over this period is 84,847.