Candice Swanepoel is widely known as a South African supermodel, but beyond the runway, she plays a cherished role as a mother. Her children, two sons named Anacan and Ariel, are a central part of her life.
Over the year, she’s shared glimpses of their growth, the choices she makes for them, and how balancing motherhood with her career remains evolving. In this article, we explore real information about her kids, their background, and impact—not just gossip. We avoid superficial repetition and instead aim for clarity and substance.
Early Life of Her Firstborn
Candice welcomed her first son, Anacan, on October 5, 2016. The name is inspired by Brazilian heritage and is a nod to the Amazonian indigenous culture. When Anacan was about five months old, Candice relocated from Brazil to New York with him. People.com+1 From the start, she has spoken about raising him with balance, giving him exposure yet protecting his privacy.
Arrival of Her Second Son
Her second son, Ariel, entered the world on June 19, 2018. Uniquely, Ariel was born at home, which Candice revealed via social media. The name “Ariel” carries both Hebrew and unisex appeal, meaning “lion of God,” and Candice has noted its cross-cultural resonance. With a gap of under two years between her sons, Candice has said the early years were intense but rewarding.
How Their Names Were Chosen
The story of their names reflects Candice’s connection to culture and family. For her first child, she and her then-partner added an “n” to “Anaca” to simplify pronunciation in English-speaking contexts.
Meanwhile, Ariel was chosen for its meaning and gender-neutral appeal—Candice has spoken about enjoying its flexibility across languages. The pairing of Anacan and Ariel also shows a pattern: both names begin with “A,” giving them a connection without being identical.
Their Childhood Shared Moments
Though Candice tends to keep personal moments private, she has occasionally shared glimpses of her sons. In one Instagram post, she published a black-and-white clip of her children relaxing by a pool and in a hammock. In another campaign, both boys joined her in a shoot for Vogue’s winter 2025 issue. Through such moments, she shows their sibling bond and how they accompany her in some work settings.
Candice’s Views on Parenting
Candice has often expressed that motherhood changed her deeply. She describes raising her boys with emotional openness, teaching them empathy and gratitude. She also emphasizes allowing them to have space and not pushing them into modeling unless they genuinely want it. In interviews, she speaks candidly about the challenges: preparing for two under two was “intense,” but she regards it as fulfilling.
Education & Early Learning
Candice has not revealed a strict formal schooling plan in public, likely because she values privacy. What is known is that she supports exposure to multiple languages; she herself speaks English, Afrikaans, and Portuguese, and may encourage linguistic and cultural awareness in her children. She has also stressed fostering creativity rather than prescribing rigid paths. As they grow, she seems committed to giving them options rather than imposing her world on them.
Their Appearances in Her Work
On occasion, Candice involves her sons professionally but sparingly. Anacan appeared in a 2017 campaign for Gap tied to the Every Mother Counts project. In 2025, both boys featured with her in the Vogue winter issue shoot. Her approach seems selective—letting them participate when it feels natural, rather than making them a constant part of her brand.
Their Bond as Brothers
Candice often mentions the bond between Anacan and Ariel with affection. She calls Anacan a caring big brother, frequently kissing and hugging Ariel. She describes Ariel as “joyful,” “easygoing,” and sometimes the more carefree of the two. In public statements, she emphasizes that the boys will always have each other—and that connection is something she values.
Living Between Places
Candice splits her time between different cities and countries, and this influences her sons’ upbringing. After Anacan’s birth, she moved from Brazil to New York with him for better opportunities.
She has homes or bases in Brazil and New York, and sometimes works in Europe too. This mobility gives her children exposure to multiple cultures, though it also means she has to juggle stability, schooling, and family life thoughtfully.
Challenges She Faces as a Mom
Being a globally active model and entrepreneur while raising young children brings significant challenges. Candice has admitted to feeling pressure about how to balance work and motherhood without compromising either.
She has navigated judgment on public breastfeeding, privacy boundaries, and protection from overexposure in the media. She often says there is no perfect formula and that every day brings learning, adjustments, and love.
Future Outlook for Anacan & Ariel
Looking ahead, Candice appears to hope her sons grow into their own identities. She has mentioned she wouldn’t force them into modeling, but would support them if they were passionate and confident.
With exposure to the fashion world, media, and varied cultures, they likely will have broad options. Candice’s goal seems to be to give them foundations—empathy, curiosity, freedom—so they can choose paths suited to themselves.
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