I am considering the name [name_f]Candace[/name_f] for a first or middle name for my little girl. I see the meaning as “white, pure, sincere.” However, it also says it was the name of a line of Ethiopian queens. I am wondering if the “white” meaning might make it an inappropriate choice. Opinions?
I only know one white [name_f]Candace[/name_f]. The other Candaces I have known were African American, Jamaican and Korean.
I really like [name_f]Candace[/name_f]. I don’t think it’s inappropriate. I think the meaning “white” just refers to blank slate, untouched.
The only names that make me think white when I hear them are [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] or [name_f]Snow[/name_f]. The meaning of [name_f]Candace[/name_f] isn’t so well known or apparent upon hearing it that I could see it mattering very much.
Nameberry is great, but it has a lot of meanings that I think are questionable. Behind the Name is the only website I totally trust when it comes to meanings. Here’s what they have to say about [name_f]Candace[/name_f]:
“From the hereditary title of the queens of Ethiopia, as mentioned in Acts in the [name_m]New[/name_m] Testament. It is apparently derived from Cushitic kdke meaning “queen mother”. In some versions of the Bible it is spelled Kandake, reflecting the Greek spelling Κανδακη. It was used as a given name by the Puritans after the Protestant Reformation. It was popularized in the 20th century by a character in the movie ‘Meet the Stewarts’ (1942).”
I know plenty of Caucasian girls called [name_f]Ebony[/name_f].
But I see why, contextually, you might feel uncomfortable. Like others have mentioned, it’s Ethiopian history is more prevalent. And I would focus less on the word ‘white’, which I think in this case just represents purity, nothingness, genuine, untouched etc. Language is a funny thing.
I am a Caucasian [name_f]Ebony[/name_f] I hardly ever get but your not black comments people sing ebony and ivory most the time. So I think it’s fine no big deal if someone says you’re not white she can say thanks for that never knew before you pointed it out 
Thanks everyone!!! I know no one would ever say anything, most likely. I have read threads about people having issues with someone’s name meaning fair-haired when they are a brunette, for example. That got my wheels turning a bit - would I knowingly give my child a name that meant something that didn’t fit? I am glad that most of you agree that the meaning was more closely related to the purity symbolized by whiteness than some type of physical descriptor.
Officially keeping this on my list!