Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Candace
GirlLatin, Greek· “title of the queens of Kush”
- Meaning
- title of the queens of Kush
- Origin
- Latin, Greek
- Pronunciation
- KAN-dis
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,173
- US babies 2025
- 50
- Best rank
- #102 (1984)
- Peak year
- 1982
Meaning and origin of Candace
Candace is a Latin and Greek name that is usually said to mean “title of the queens of Kush”.
Candace comes from the title Kandake, used for the queens and queen mothers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush, in what is now Sudan. In the Book of Acts, Philip meets an Ethiopian official who served Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, and through that story the title came to be understood as a personal name. Candace became popular in the English-speaking world in the twentieth century, and Candice is a common alternate spelling. Candy is the traditional nickname, and the name's regal history gives it a graceful air.
Popularity over time
Candace first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 67 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #102 in 1984, and the most babies received it in 1982, when 2,848 were named Candace. In 2025, 50 babies were named Candace, and it ranked #3,173 nationally. That is 46% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,083 in 1920, #172 in 1950, #134 in 1980, #600 in 2000, #1,624 in 2010, and #3,173 in 2025. Of the 84,938 US girls named Candace since records began, 30% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 14,251 babies. Since 2010, 1,334 more have been named Candace.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Desiree, Stefanie, Jillian, Marquita, and Ebony.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Candace ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #3386 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Candace is usually pronounced KAN-dis, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Candace
A few middle names that flow with Candace: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Candace
Similar names
Bernice Girl
bur-NEES
“bringer of victory” · Greek
#4,082
Eunice Girl
YOO-nis
“good victory” · Greek
#2,362
Candice Girl
KAN-dis
“variant of Candace” · Latin
#5,125
Justice Unisex
JUHS-tihs
“justice, fairness” · English
#1,363
Cadence Girl
KAY-duhns
“rhythm, flow” · English
#1,022
Kaydence Girl
KAY-duhns
“rhythm” · American (modern coinage)
#1,292
Kadence Girl
KAY-duhns
“rhythm” · English
#1,616
Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#107
Constance Girl
KAHN-stuhns
“steadfastness” · Latin
#1,501
Tamar Girl
tuh-MAHR
“date palm” · Hebrew
#2,455
Chloe Girl
KLOH-ee
“young green shoot” · Greek
#23
Julia Girl
JOOL-yuh
“uncertain; Roman family name” · Latin
#131
Lists that include Candace
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Candace mean?
Candace is a Latin and Greek name that is usually said to mean “title of the queens of Kush”.
What is the origin of the name Candace?
Candace has Latin and Greek roots. Candace comes from the title Kandake, used for the queens and queen mothers of the ancient Kingdom of Kush, in what is now Sudan.
Is Candace a popular name?
Not especially. Candace ranked #3,173 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Candace a boy or girl name?
Candace is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Candace?
Candace is usually pronounced KAN-dis. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings