Candace is a given name that originates from a hereditary title used for the queens of Ethiopia, as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible (Acts 8:27). The title appears in Greek as Κανδάκη (Kandake) in the Septuagint and early Christian texts, referring to the queen mother or regnant queen of the ancient Kingdom of Kush (located in present-day Sudan). Etymologically, it is derived from the Cushitic word kdke, meaning "queen mother." While the name literally references this royal position, it also acquired the later interpretation of "pure and innocent" in English usage. Historical and Cultural Significance In the Bible, the Ethiopian eunuch mentioned in Acts 8 was an official in charge of the treasury of "Candace, queen of the Ethiopians," indicating that "Candace" was a dynastic title rather than a personal name. This title was used by several historical queens of Kush, such as Candace Amanitore and Candace Amanishakheto, who ruled in the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE respectively. These queens were known for their military prowess and political independence, including a noted conflict with the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus. After the Protestant Reformation, the name Candace was adopted as a given name by Puritans, who often chose biblical names for their children. Although rare in medieval times, it saw a revival in the 20th century. Its modern popularity was boosted by a character in the 1942 film Meet the Stewarts, which brought the name into mainstream awareness. In the United States, Candace was especially fashionable from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, peaking in the top 100 names for girls. Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the name Candace: Candace Bushnell (born 1958), American author known for Sex and the City Candace Cameron Bure (born 1976), American actress from Full House Candace Gingrich (born 1966), American LGBT rights activist Candace Allen (born 1950), American screenwriter and author Candace Bailey (born 1982), American actress Candace Camp (born 1949), American romance novelist Candace Glendenning (born 1953), English actress Variants and Related Names The name Candace has several variant forms, such as Candice, Candis, Candyce, and Kandace. Diminutives include Candi, Candy, and Kandi. The original Biblical Greek form Kandake is recognized as a variant in some cultures. These versions share the same rich backdrop of African queenship and the biblical Ethiopian narrative. Key Facts Meaning: "Queen mother" (from Cushitic kdke) or "pure and innocent" (later interpretation) Origin: Kushite/Ethiopian royal title, later adopted in English-speaking cultures Type: Feminine given name Usage: English, English Bible, Latin Bible