Candida

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Candida

Gender: Feminine
Language: Latin, Spanish
Etymology:
Candida is a Spanish name based on a Latin name meaning “White,” or “Pure,” with connotations of purity.

History:
Candida (and Candide) first appeared in the United States (albeit as a rare name) during the early 20th century. Use may have been initiated by George Bernard Shaw’s 1894 play Candida, a comedy about the wife of a clergyman.

Pronunciation: can-deed-ah.

Diminutives:
English: Candi, Candie, Candy.

Alternates:
French: Candide.

Famous Bearers:
Fictional Characters:
Candida Morell
A clergyman’s wife in George Bernard Shaw’s play Candida.

Religious Figures:
St. Candida the Younger (?-586)
Miracle worker and “mother of Naples.”
St. Candida the Elder (?-78)
Early Italian saint cured by St. Peter.
St. Candida (?-300)
Virgin-martyr of Carthage.
St. Candida (?-798)
Spanish hermit.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.006 % named Candida

Popularity of Candida:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 615th most popular.
1910-1920: 770th most popular.
1920-1930: 681st most popular.
1930-1940: 582nd most popular.
1940-1950: 658th most popular.
1950-1970: N/A
1970-1980: 878th most popular.
1980-2000: N/A