Declining since 1985, #4,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Candy since 1896
Babies named Candy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 14 |
| 1920s | 39 |
| 1930s | 90 |
| 1940s | 1,948 |
| 1950s | 5,716 |
| 1960s | 7,555 |
| 1970s | 6,887 |
| 1980s | 3,029 |
| 1990s | 1,273 |
| 2000s | 1,133 |
| 2010s | 624 |
| 2020s | 212 |
Meaning & origin
Candy entered U.S. birth records in 1896, but its peak popularity came in 1969, when it ranked among the top 500 names for girls. The name has since declined, falling steadily from 1985 onward, and by 2025 it ranked 4,546 with roughly 1 in 53,576 newborn girls receiving the name. Candy was most common in Alabama and California during its peak decades. The name's dual association with the ancient title Candace and the sugary treat gives it a playful yet historical character, though its use has waned as naming tastes shifted away from mid-century diminutives.
Candy originated as a pet form of Candace, an ancient Ethiopian royal title used in the New Testament. It later became associated with the English word 'candy' (sugar confectionery), and gained popularity as an independent given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Candy 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.
“Candy” around the world
Where Candy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Candy
Names that share Candy's style, for a brother or sister.
