Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Candi since 1944
Babies named Candi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 193 |
| 1950s | 736 |
| 1960s | 1,562 |
| 1970s | 2,094 |
| 1980s | 2,206 |
| 1990s | 380 |
| 2000s | 142 |
| 2010s | 31 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Candi emerged as a given name in the United States in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1944. It reached its peak popularity in 1980, a year when it was most frequently chosen by parents. However, the name has been on a downward trajectory since 1985, reflecting changing naming tastes. While Candi has not ranked in the top 1000 in many recent years, its variants like Candy and Kandi saw similar patterns. The name is often considered a modern coinage, a phonetic spelling that adds a touch of uniqueness to the more familiar Candy. Candi remains a distinctly American choice, with no strong ties to any state or region based on available data.
Candi is a modern English spelling variant of Candy, which itself originated as a pet form of Candace or as a direct use of the word candy. Candace is derived from a hereditary title used by queens of Ethiopia, possibly meaning 'queen mother' or 'glowing'. The name Candy gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a nickname or standalone name, and Candi emerged as a phonetic variant, especially in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.
Where Candi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Candy
Sibling names for Candi
Names that share Candi's style, for a brother or sister.
