Candice
KAN-DISS
Candice is a variant spelling of Candace, an ancient title used by queens of the Kushite Kingdom of Meroe in what is now Sudan. The title meaning 'queen mother' or 'great queen' was adopted as a given name in the English-speaking world during the twentieth century.
At a glance
Candice is an English variant of the ancient royal title Candace, meaning 'queen mother', popular in the late twentieth century.
Etymology & History
Candice derives from Candace, an ancient Meroitic title for the queen mothers of the Kingdom of Kush. The title appears in ancient Greek and Roman texts as Kandake (Κανδάκη). It entered the New Testament in the Acts of the Apostles, where an official of 'Candace, queen of the Ethiopians' encounters Philip the Apostle. This biblical appearance introduced the name to Christian Europe. Over centuries it shifted from a royal title to a personal name, with the Candice spelling variant becoming popular in twentieth-century America.
Cultural Significance
The name Candice carries a fascinating history that spans ancient Africa, the Bible and modern popular culture. The Kandakes of Meroe were powerful warrior queens who ruled an independent kingdom for centuries, making the title historically significant for women's leadership. The biblical reference gave the name Christian credentials, aiding its adoption in English-speaking countries. In the 1970s and 1980s, the name reached peak popularity in the United States and United Kingdom, often associated with the television era and glamour. Today it carries a nostalgic quality.
Famous people named Candice
Candice Bergen
American actress and model, known for her role as Murphy Brown in the long-running American sitcom of the same name
Candice Swanepoel
South African supermodel and Victoria's Secret Angel, one of the highest-earning models of the 2010s
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Candice
Candace
“Queen mother”
Candace derives from the ancient title 'Kandake,' meaning queen mother, used by the rulers of the Kingdom of Kush in Nubia. These were powerful women who governed in their own right. The name carries a regal dignity and a connection to one of Africa's most remarkable civilisations.
Candida
“Glowing white, radiant purity”
Candida means glowing white or pure, derived from the Latin for brightness and clarity. It evokes innocence, light, and transparency of character. The name carries a classical and ecclesiastical dignity, having been borne by early Christian saints.
Clarissa
“Most brilliant, illustrious woman”
Clarissa means 'most brilliant' or 'most illustrious', being a superlative elaboration of Clara. It conveys exceptional brightness, fame, and distinction. The name suggests a woman of great intelligence, beauty, and moral clarity.
Sandra
“Defender of humanity”
Sandra is a short form of Alessandra, the Italian and Spanish form of Alexandra, which derives from the Greek 'Alexandros' meaning defender of men or protector of humanity. Composed of 'alexein' meaning to defend or protect, and 'aner' meaning man or humanity, the name carries a powerful meaning. Although Sandra originated as a diminutive, it has long been established as an independent name used across many languages and cultures.
Where you'll find Candice
Candice shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.