Surname Candidus - Meaning and Origin
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Candidus: What does the surname Candidus mean?
The last name Candidus is a Latin name meaning "bright" or "clear". It is derived from the word candidus, which translates as "bright" or "glistening". This surname was popular in the Roman Empire and is believed to have originated in the 5th century.
The term candidus can also refer to a person who is "candid" or "honest" in speech and thought. In that context, the surname Candidus may have been bestowed upon a person renowned for their frankness or openness.
Along with candidus, the name Candidus may also be related to the Latin word candidus meaning "white" or "pure". This could have been used as a reference to the white clothing worn by the early Christians, or as an indication of moral uprightness.
Today, the surname Candidus is found in many countries around the world. It is thought to have been introduced to Europe through the migration of peoples during the Middle Ages, and later through the colonization of the Americas.
No matter which origin, the surname Candidus is a reminder of the importance of honesty and openness in our lives. It stands for the values of truth, integrity, and transparency.
Order DNA origin analysisCandidus: Where does the name Candidus come from?
The last name Candidus is most commonly found today in eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. It originates from the Latin word candidus, meaning ‘bright’ or ‘white’, and is derived from the Latin adjective candidus meaning ‘of highest quality’ or ‘without blemish’. Historically, the surname was likely used as a byname, indicative of either a personal attribute or a profession.
This surname is also found in the Netherlands, as well as Denmark, Norway, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, indicating that the Candidus surname was likely a combination of several surnames of European nobility, though more research is needed to determine its exact origin. As well, it might have been given to individuals from monastic orders, or those who had taken a religious name, a practice which was quite common during the Middle Ages.
Candidus has also been found in the Basque region of Spain, and in some cases, has migrated to other countries such as Canada and the United States. In many parts of the world, the Candidus surname has been interpreted to mean ‘candid’ or ‘truthful’, indicating that it is likely associated with good character and honesty.
Variations of the surname Candidus
Candidus is an ancient Roman surname which translates to the Latin word “candidus” meaning “white, shining”. Over the centuries, the name has been adopted and adapted in many forms and styles.
Some variants and spellings of Candidus include Chandy, Candido, Kandy, Kandi, Cande, Candee, Candeau, Candys, and Chandyne. In some cases, the form Candide has been adopted, particularly in France.
The ancient Roman name typically took on an –ius suffix. Amid ancient Roman society, those of noble origin attached the suffix –anus or –enus to their surname. This led to the nickname Candidunus. In Italy, the suffix –ini was additionally added, resulting in the surnames Candidini and Candidelli.
Various surnames were also derived from the original Candidus, such as Candy, Candida, Candel, Candiotti, Candell, Candusso, Candiroli, Candoglia, Candeloro, Candela, Candelli, Candolino, Candriano, Candinus, Candilis, and Candeo.
In other parts of the world, the Candidus name has been changed to different forms in the local language, such as Candido in Portugal and Brazil, Candidus in Germany, Kandida in parts of Eastern Europe, Candida in Spain, and Candiret in Turkey.
In recent decades, surnames derived from the original Candidus have drastically spread across the globe. Therefore, the question of whether or not someone belongs to the family of Candidus can be a difficult one to answer.
Famous people with the name Candidus
- Donatus Candidus, Roman writer of the 6th century
- Antonius Candidus, a 4th-century Roman poet and rhetorician
- Eutropius Candidus, a 4th-century Roman writer and philosopher
- Anicius Manlius Severinus Candidus, a 5th-century Roman historian
- Lucillus Candidus, a fifth century Roman lawyer
- Constantius Candidus, an 8th-century bishop of Milan
- Abundius Candidus, a 9th-century bishop of Milan
- Canon Valerius Candidus, a 10th-century monk of Monte Casino
- John Candidus Straehl, a 17th-century Austrian librarian
- Sharifuddin Candidus AKA Sharfuddin Yusef, a 17th-century Kurdish Sufi saint
- Johann Samuel Candidus, a German engraver of the 18th century
- Friedrich Wilhelm August Candidus, a 19th-century German author and teacher
- Sigmund Candidus, a 19th-century German theologian
- August Drach, often referred to as Candidus, Austrian painter of the same century
- Aloysius Candidus, a 20th-century German philosopher
- Ferdinand Candidus, a 20th-century German opera composer
- Bill Candidus, a 21st-century American environmental engineer
- Pierre Candidus, a French digital artist active in the 21st century