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Candace

♀ Girl

Candace Pronunciation

Candace is pronounced KAN-dis /ˈkæn.dɪs/High

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

U.S. rank (2024)#3648 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births42 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1982

Total births (all-time)≈ 84,888

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Candace comes from Kandake, the dynastic title of the queen mothers who ruled the ancient Kingdom of Kush in Nubia — 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 — 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 — Candace — title etymology

Variations

CandiceKandaceCandis

Nicknames

CandyDacey

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Candace…

Kennedy— a fellow queenly-feeling name

Cleopatra— the companion ancient-queen name

Cadence— lands in the same popularity range

Constance— a similarly popular pick

Florence— a fellow Latin choice

→ See all names like Candace

Browse the whole category: All Latin names → · All Cushitic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Candace?

Candace is pronounced KAN-dis (/ˈkæn.dɪs/). Press play above to hear Candace said aloud.

How do you say Candace?

Candace is said KAN-dis (/ˈkæn.dɪs/). Press play above to hear Candace said aloud.

What does the name Candace mean?

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

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.