What does Candace mean and where does it come from?
The name Candace has origins in ancient Ethiopia, where it referred to the title used by the queens of the Kingdom of Kush. It gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, often associated with the character in the Bible mentioned in the Book of Acts. Notable people include Candac
Cultural significance
Candace has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #101 in 1984 — currently #1627 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Candace?
Candace works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Candace Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Candace Rose
Floral · soft ending
Candace Mae
Sweet · timeless
Candace Claire
French influence · crisp
Candace Jane
Literary · strong
Candace Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Candace right now?
Holding steady — currently #1627 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1627 | 573 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1632 | 553 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1637 | 523 | ▲ up 892 · +681% births |
| 2020 | #2529 | 67 | ▼ down 406 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #2123 | 90 | ▼ down 502 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #1621 | 133 | ▼ down 696 · -51% births |
| 2005 | #925 | 269 | ▼ down 325 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #600 | 421 | ▼ down 312 · -56% births |
| 1995 | #288 | 966 | ▼ down 146 · -55% births |
| 1990 | #142 | 2,164 | ▼ down 38 · -20% births |
| 1985 | #104 | 2,705 | ▲ up 30 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #134 | 2,188 | ▲ up 87 · +95% births |
| 1975 | #221 | 1,123 | ▼ down 1 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #220 | 1,427 | ▲ up 59 · +47% births |
| 1965 | #279 | 970 | — |
The story of Candace
Candace has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. A total of 84,808 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1253 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1627 in 2023. Candace is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Candace in 1984:
Candace by decade
Candace peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 27 | |
| 1890s | 36 | |
| 1900s | 27 | |
| 1910s | 113 | |
| 1920s | 135 | |
| 1930s | 146 | |
| 1940s | 6,720 | |
| 1950s | 14,261 | |
| 1960s | 9,884 | |
| 1970s | 12,690 | |
| 1980s ★ | 25,266 | |
| 1990s | 11,530 | |
| 2000s | 2,922 | |
| 2010s | 984 | |
| 2020s | 67 | |
What are good nicknames for Candace?
What names sound and feel like Candace?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Candace also consider these
How is Candace written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Candace
What does the name Candace mean?
Candace means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Candace?
Candace is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Candace?
Candace originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Candace?
Candace is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 N D AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Candace a common or rare name?
Candace is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.