Daphne
Laurel tree — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of Daphne in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Daphne
Daphne comes from the Greek word "daphne," meaning "laurel" or "bay tree." In Greek mythology, Daphne was a beautiful naiad (water nymph) who was pursued by the god Apollo. To escape his advances, she prayed to her father, the river god Peneus, who transformed her into a laurel tree. Apollo, heartbroken, declared the laurel sacred and wore a crown of its leaves, which is why laurel wreaths became symbols of victory and achievement in ancient Greece and Rome. The name was rare in the English-speaking world until the early 20th century but gained popularity through figures like the novelist Daphne du Maurier. More recently, the character Daphne Bridgerton from the Netflix series "Bridgerton" has renewed interest in the name.
Daphne Around the World
Daphne is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Daphne
Famous People Named Daphne
- Daphne du Maurier — English author of "Rebecca" and "The Birds"
- Daphne Guinness — Anglo-Irish socialite, artist, and fashion icon
- Daphne Zuniga — American actress known for "Melrose Place"
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Sibling Name Ideas for Daphne
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Daphne mean?
Daphne is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Laurel tree." Daphne comes from the Greek word "daphne," meaning "laurel" or "bay tree." In Greek mythology, Daphne was a beautiful naiad (water nymph) who was pursued by the god Apollo.
How do you pronounce Daphne?
Daphne is pronounced DAF-nee. Common variations include Dafne, Daphney, Dafni.
Is Daphne a girl name?
Yes, Daphne is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Daph, Dee, Effie.
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