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Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Candace

Candace

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAN-dis /ˈkΓ¦n.dΙͺs/High

Meaning: From Kandake, the dynastic title of the queens of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (Nubia/Ethiopia) β€” 'queen mother'High

In 30 seconds: Not a name but a throne: Candace was the royal title of the warrior-queens of ancient Kush, mentioned in the Book of Acts. A name that means 'queen mother' β€” and history's most regal misunderstanding.
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Origin HighLatin, Cushitic
MeaningFrom Kandake, the dynastic title of the queens of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (Nubia/Ethiopia) β€” 'queen mother'
U.S. rank (2025)#3173 β†— Rising
2025 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1982
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 84,938

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 198218822025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Candace comes from Kandake, the dynastic title of the queen mothers who ruled the ancient Kingdom of Kush in Nubia β€” formidable warriors, one of whom faced down Rome. The Bible's Acts mentions 'the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians', and Europeans adopted it as a personal name. It peaked in 1980s America (Candace Cameron).

Today it is uncommon, vintage-cool, with the regal African history newly appreciated. Often pronounced KAN-dis or kan-DAYCE.

Did you know? The 'Candace' in the Book of Acts wasn't a personal name β€” it was the title (Kandake) of Nubia's ruling queens, the way 'Pharaoh' titled Egypt's kings; Europeans mistook the office for a name.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name β€” Candace β€” title etymology

Variations

CandiceKandaceCandis

Nicknames

CandyDacey

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Candace Cameron Bure (1976-)
    American actress known for Full House
  • β˜…Candace Parker (1986-)
    American WNBA basketball player and broadcaster
  • β˜…Candace Bushnell (1958-)
    American author who wrote Sex and the City
  • β˜…Candace Owens (1989-)
    American conservative political commentator

If you like Candace…

Kennedyβ€” a fellow queenly-feeling name
Cleopatraβ€” the companion ancient-queen name
Cadenceβ€” lands in the same popularity range
Constanceβ€” a similarly popular pick
Florenceβ€” a fellow Latin choice

Explore names like Candace

By themeroyalhistorical
By meaningRoyal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Candace mean?

Candace comes from Kandake, the title of the queen mothers of ancient Kush (Nubia) β€” 'queen mother'.

How do you pronounce Candace?

It's said KAN-dis /ˈkΓ¦n.dΙͺs/ β€” two syllables, stress on the first; kan-DAYCE is also heard.

Is Candace a boy or girl name?

Candace is a girl's name.

How popular is Candace?

Candace is an uncommon name in the U.S. today, well past its peak decade.

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