Daphne: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The laurel wreath, associated with Daphne, was used to crown victors in ancient Greek athletic competitions and has royal connotations.

Daphne Overview

Meaning

Laurel tree

Gender

Girl

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word “daphnē,” meaning “laurel.”

Pronunciation

/ˈdæfni/

Popularity

Daphne is a name that has international appeal, particularly in Greece and English-speaking countries. In 2023, Daphne ranked #268 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Mythological, Classic, Nature-inspired

Associated Traits

Graceful, elegant, classic

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often linked to Greek mythology, where Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree.

Name Day

October 19 (Greece)

Daphne Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Daphnee, Dafne, Daphney, Daphna, Daphnie, Dafny, Dafnee

Common Nicknames

Daphie, Daphy, Daffie, Dafi

Diminutives

Daph, Daffy, Daphie, Dee, Daphs, Nini

Famous People

Daphne du Maurier
(English Author)
Daphne Zuniga
(American Actress)
Daphne Guinness
(British-Irish Fashion Icon)
Daphne Ashbrook
(American Actress)
Daphne Oz
(American Television Host)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Daphne Blake
("Scooby-Doo," TV Series)
Daphne Bridgerton
("Bridgerton," TV Series)
"Daphne"
(Film)
Daphne Vasquez
("Switched at Birth," TV Series)
"The Daphne Chronicles"
(Novel Series)

Places

Daphne City
(Alabama, USA)
Daphne Major Island
(Galápagos Islands, Ecuador)
Daphne Park
(Mississippi, USA)
Daphne Civic Center
(Alabama, USA)
Daphne Public Library
(Alabama, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Daphne?

Daphne means “laurel” or “bay tree.” It often symbolizes victory and honor, evoking a sense of strength and achievement.

What Is the Origin of The Name Daphne?

Daphne derives from Greek mythology, where Daphne was a nymph who transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. It has ancient Greek roots, highlighting its long-standing historical significance.

Daphne Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Daphne in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#2892021	#2782022	#2412023
Top 3 Rankings	#2412023	#2661962	#2782022

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Daphne

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	241 (+37 from 2022)	1257 (+126 from 2022)	0.07186
2022	278 (+11 from 2021)	1131 (+29 from 2021)	0.06308
2021	289 (+125 from 2020)	1102 (+350 from 2020)	0.06151
2020	414 (+21 from 2019)	752 (+18 from 2019)	0.04254
2019	435 (-51 from 2018)	734 (-74 from 2018)	0.04000
2018	384 (+1 from 2017)	808 (-4 from 2017)	0.04345
2017	385 (+22 from 2016)	812 (-7 from 2016)	0.04298
2016	407 (-29 from 2015)	819 (-45 from 2015)	0.04231
2015	378 (-23 from 2014)	864 (-55 from 2014)	0.04429
2014	355 (+41 from 2013)	919 (+142 from 2013)	0.04698
2013	396 (+25 from 2012)	777 (+33 from 2012)	0.04031
2012	421 (+30 from 2011)	744 (+71 from 2011)	0.03836
2011	451 (+38 from 2010)	673 (+55 from 2010)	0.03473
2010	489 (-12 from 2009)	618 (-31 from 2009)	0.03152
2009	477 (+62 from 2008)	649 (+78 from 2008)	0.03205
2008	539 (+45 from 2007)	571 (+59 from 2007)	0.02741
2007	584 (+27 from 2006)	512 (+34 from 2006)	0.02419
2006	611 (-57 from 2005)	478 (-42 from 2005)	0.02287
2005	554 (+35 from 2004)	520 (+43 from 2004)	0.02562
2004	589 (+5 from 2003)	477 (+17 from 2003)	0.02364
2003	594 (-25 from 2002)	460 (-5 from 2002)	0.02293
2002	569 (-103 from 2001)	465 (-132 from 2001)	0.02354
2001	466 (+167 from 2000)	597 (+201 from 2000)	0.03014
2000	633 (+63 from 1999)	396 (+72 from 1999)	0.01984
1999	696 (+61 from 1998)	324 (+40 from 1998)	0.01664
1998	757 (+86 from 1997)	284 (+40 from 1997)	0.01465
1997	843 (-12 from 1996)	244 (+3 from 1996)	0.01278
1996	831 (+32 from 1995)	241 (+16 from 1995)	0.01257
1995	863 (-122 from 1994)	225 (-55 from 1994)	0.01171
1994	741 (+172 from 1993)	280 (+70 from 1993)	0.01436
1993	913 (-21 from 1992)	210 (-10 from 1992)	0.01065
1992	892 (-9 from 1991)	220 (-3 from 1991)	0.01097
1991	883 (-118 from 1990)	223 (-45 from 1990)	0.01097
1990	765 (+77 from 1989)	268 (+46 from 1989)	0.01305
1989	842 (-150 from 1988)	222 (-55 from 1988)	0.01114
1988	692 (+61 from 1987)	277 (+39 from 1987)	0.01440
1987	753 (-28 from 1986)	238 (-7 from 1986)	0.01270
1986	725 (-68 from 1985)	245 (-31 from 1985)	0.01328
1985	657 (-27 from 1984)	276 (-5 from 1984)	0.01495
1984	630 (-45 from 1983)	281 (-24 from 1983)	0.01558
1983	585 (+21 from 1982)	305 (+9 from 1982)	0.01704
1982	606 (+40 from 1981)	296 (+23 from 1981)	0.01631
1981	646 (-10 from 1980)	273 (-13 from 1980)	0.01526
1980	636 (-35 from 1979)	286 (-14 from 1979)	0.01606
1979	601 (-30 from 1978)	300 (-1 from 1978)	0.01741
1978	571 (-43 from 1977)	301 (-46 from 1977)	0.01831
1977	528 (-85 from 1976)	347 (-93 from 1976)	0.02109
1976	443 (+36 from 1975)	440 (+57 from 1975)	0.02799
1975	479 (-77 from 1974)	383 (-120 from 1974)	0.02454
1974	402 (-20 from 1973)	503 (-33 from 1973)	0.03211
1973	382 (+1 from 1972)	536 (-20 from 1972)	0.03449
1972	383 (-48 from 1971)	556 (-222 from 1971)	0.03448
1971	335 (+25 from 1970)	778 (+95 from 1970)	0.04439
1970	360 No change from 1969	683 (+42 from 1969)	0.03728
1969	360 (-10 from 1968)	641 (+1 from 1968)	0.03636
1968	350 (+13 from 1967)	640 (+34 from 1967)	0.03743
1967	363 (+2 from 1966)	606 (-10 from 1966)	0.03530
1966	365 (-9 from 1965)	616 (-25 from 1965)	0.03508
1965	356 (-12 from 1964)	641 (-125 from 1964)	0.03508
1964	344 (-38 from 1963)	766 (-160 from 1963)	0.03913
1963	306 (-40 from 1962)	926 (-206 from 1962)	0.04658
1962	266 (+105 from 1961)	1132 (+462 from 1961)	0.05585
1961	371 (+201 from 1960)	670 (+375 from 1960)	0.03226
1960	572 (-27 from 1959)	295 (-23 from 1959)	0.01418
1959	545 (-67 from 1958)	318 (-75 from 1958)	0.01530
1958	478 (+63 from 1957)	393 (+79 from 1957)	0.01902
1957	541 (+41 from 1956)	314 (+53 from 1956)	0.01497
1956	582 (-5 from 1955)	261 (+11 from 1955)	0.01267
1955	577 (-23 from 1954)	250 (-9 from 1954)	0.01247
1954	554 (-12 from 1953)	259 (+3 from 1953)	0.01301
1953	542 (-25 from 1952)	256 (-9 from 1952)	0.01327
1952	517 (+61 from 1951)	265 (+44 from 1951)	0.01393
1951	578 (-65 from 1950)	221 (-31 from 1950)	0.01196
1950	513 (+66 from 1949)	252 (+47 from 1949)	0.01433
1949	579 (+65 from 1948)	205 (+39 from 1948)	0.01168
1948	644 (-17 from 1947)	166 (-13 from 1947)	0.00953
1947	627 (+54 from 1946)	179 (+43 from 1946)	0.00985
1946	681 (+50 from 1945)	136 (+32 from 1945)	0.00843
1945	731 (-27 from 1944)	104 (-9 from 1944)	0.00773
1944	704 (+58 from 1943)	113 (+10 from 1943)	0.00827
1943	762 (-37 from 1942)	103 (-3 from 1942)	0.00718
1942	725 (-57 from 1941)	106 (-5 from 1941)	0.00762
1941	668 (+34 from 1940)	111 (+13 from 1940)	0.00891
1940	702 (+237 from 1939)	98 (+42 from 1939)	0.00830
1939	939 (+68 from 1938)	56 (+6 from 1938)	0.00494
1938	1007 (-303 from 1937)	50 (-44 from 1937)	0.00438
1937	704 (+53 from 1936)	94 (+15 from 1936)	0.00853
1936	757 (+48 from 1935)	79 (+8 from 1935)	0.00733
1935	805 (-11 from 1934)	71 No change from 1934	0.00653
1934	794 (-91 from 1933)	71 (-14 from 1933)	0.00656
1933	703 (+28 from 1932)	85 No change from 1932	0.00813
1932	731 (+37 from 1931)	85 (+9 from 1931)	0.00768
1931	768 (-69 from 1930)	76 (-21 from 1930)	0.00689
1930	699 (+32 from 1929)	97 (+6 from 1929)	0.00832
1929	731 (-58 from 1928)	91 (-16 from 1928)	0.00786
1928	673 (+50 from 1927)	107 (+8 from 1927)	0.00895
1927	723 (-15 from 1926)	99 (-6 from 1926)	0.00801
1926	708 (-31 from 1925)	105 (-15 from 1925)	0.00854
1925	677 (+18 from 1924)	120 (+6 from 1924)	0.00950
1924	695 (+10 from 1923)	114 (+7 from 1923)	0.00880
1923	705 (+1 from 1922)	107 (+1 from 1922)	0.00854
1922	706 (+11 from 1921)	106 (+2 from 1921)	0.00850
1921	717 (-6 from 1920)	104 No change from 1920	0.00813
1920	711 (+67 from 1919)	104 (+22 from 1919)	0.00836
1919	778 (-31 from 1918)	82 (-9 from 1918)	0.00698
1918	747 (+83 from 1917)	91 (+23 from 1917)	0.00757
1917	830 (+18 from 1916)	68 (+4 from 1916)	0.00605
1916	848 (-37 from 1915)	64 (-1 from 1915)	0.00589
1915	811 (+161 from 1914)	65 (+28 from 1914)	0.00635
1914	972 (+48 from 1913)	37 (+9 from 1913)	0.00464
1913	1020 (-60 from 1912)	28 No change from 1912	0.00428
1912	960 (+71 from 1911)	28 (+10 from 1911)	0.00477
1911	1031 (+38 from 1910)	18 (+1 from 1910)	0.00407
1910	1069 (-256 from 1909)	17 (-8 from 1909)	0.00405
1909	813 (+69 from 1908)	25 (+5 from 1908)	0.00679
1908	882 (+155 from 1907)	20 (+6 from 1907)	0.00564
1907	1037 (-244 from 1906)	14 (-7 from 1906)	0.00415
1906	793 (+445 from 1905)	21 (+11 from 1905)	0.00670
1905	1238 (-188 from 1904)	10 (-2 from 1904)	0.00323
1904	1050 (-119 from 1903)	12 (-2 from 1903)	0.00410
1903	931 (-59 from 1902)	14 (-2 from 1902)	0.00503
1902	872 (+46 from 1901)	16 (+3 from 1901)	0.00571
1901	918 (-1 from 1900)	13 (-4 from 1900)	0.00511
1900	917 (+18 from 1899)	17 (+5 from 1899)	0.00535
1899	935 (-15 from 1898)	12 (-2 from 1898)	0.00485
1898	920 (-185 from 1897)	14 (-4 from 1897)	0.00511
1897	735 (+108 from 1896)	18 (+3 from 1896)	0.00725
1896	843 (+89 from 1895)	15 (+3 from 1895)	0.00595
1895	932 (-150 from 1894)	12 (-3 from 1894)	0.00486
1894	782 (+173 from 1893)	15 (+5 from 1893)	0.00636
1893	955 (-94 from 1892)	10 (-2 from 1892)	0.00444
1892	861 (+145 from 1891)	12 (+4 from 1891)	0.00534
1891	1006 (-313 from 1890)	8 (-7 from 1890)	0.00407
1890	693 (+209 from 1889)	15 (+6 from 1889)	0.00744
1889	902 (+374 from 1888)	9 (+4 from 1888)	0.00476
1888	1276 (-240 from 1887)	5 (-1 from 1887)	0.00264
1887	1036 (-43 from 1886)	6 No change from 1886	0.00386
1886	993 First SSA data recorded	6 First SSA data recorded	0.00390
1885	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1884	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1883	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1882	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1881	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000
1880	0 No SSA data	0 No SSA data	0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Daphne

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#2192021

#2352022

#2272023

Texas (TX)

#2332021

#3112022

#2292023

New York (NY)

#2372021

#2662022

#2232023

Florida (FL)

#2392021

#4032022

#2902023

North Carolina (NC)

#5062021

#3092022

#2612023

Illinois (IL)

#2892021

#2532022

#2672023

Georgia (GA)

#5562021

#4532022

#3972023

Ohio (OH)

#3712021

#2512022

#2672023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#3342021

#3372022

#2972023

Alabama (AL)

#7602021

#6042022

#5702023

Virginia (VA)

#4002021

#3082022

#2892023

Tennessee (TN)

#3952021

#3992022

#3162023

Louisiana (LA)

#7662021

#5232022

#3992023

New Jersey (NJ)

#2132021

#2402022

#1632023

Michigan (MI)

#3782021

#3542022

#2082023

Washington (WA)

#2302021

#2362022

#1652023

Indiana (IN)

#3732021

#2872022

#2282023

Mississippi (MS)

#2171991

#4111992

#5922015

Missouri (MO)

#3082021

#2702022

#2862023

Massachusetts (MA)

#2422021

#2462022

#1372023

Maryland (MD)

#2842021

#1832022

#2462023

Arizona (AZ)

#3952021

#1452022

#2102023

Kentucky (KY)

#2592021

#3042022

#4392023

Oregon (OR)

#1002021

#1702022

#1922023

South Carolina (SC)

#3702021

#3442022

#4382023

Utah (UT)

#2172021

#2182022

#1572023

Colorado (CO)

#2832021

#3162022

#2272023

Minnesota (MN)

#3332021

#2442022

#2072023

Wisconsin (WI)

#3232021

#2312022

#3082023

Oklahoma (OK)

#4032021

#4942022

#2092023

Kansas (KS)

#1642021

#1622022

#2662023

Connecticut (CT)

#2772021

#2922022

#2182023

District of Columbia (DC)

#982020

#882021

#572023

Arkansas (AR)

#4042021

#3422022

#3082023

Nevada (NV)

#1792021

#1622022

#1912023

Iowa (IA)

#6072021

#2862022

#3932023

New Mexico (NM)

#3512021

#2722022

#1202023

Idaho (ID)

#1762021

#1572022

#1432023

Nebraska (NE)

#4432019

#2892021

#2522023

West Virginia (WV)

#2622016

#3382021

#2842022

Hawaii (HI)

#1931970

#2542000

#2172004

Maine (ME)

#2152021

#1252022

#2102023

New Hampshire (NH)

#2222018

#1922020

#2262021

Delaware (DE)

#1681966

#1292022

Montana (MT)

#1812017

#1662022

North Dakota (ND)

#2371953

#1751976

Rhode Island (RI)

#1822023

Alaska (AK)

#1992013

Popularity Rankings for Daphne in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#2332020

#1512021

#1592022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium

#1771995

#1741997

Popularity in Chile

Chile

#1872009

#1842011

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#3822019

#3202020

#2342021

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#2412021

#2702022

#3492023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#3372020

#2592021

#2442022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#3902021

#5592022

#4042023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#4182022

#4822023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

#5662001

#5272002

#4462008

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden

#6892022

#5502023

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#6582017

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#7802009

#8632010

#9952021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Daphne a Name for Boys or Girls?

Typically used for girls, Daphne carries a graceful and delicate image, making it popular for female children.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Daphne

Daphnee
Dafne
Daphney
Daphna
Daphnie
Dafny
Dafnee

Daphie
Daphy
Daffie
Dafi

Daph
Daffy
Daphie
Dee
Daphs
Nini

Daphne in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Daphne du Maurier (Author, 1907–1989): An English author and playwright best known for her novels "Rebecca" and "Jamaica Inn."
Daphne Zuniga (Actress, born 1962): An American actress famous for her roles in "Melrose Place" and "Spaceballs."
Daphne Guinness (Fashion Icon, born 1967): A British-Irish socialite, fashion designer, and musician noted for her unique style.
Daphne Ashbrook (Actress, born 1963): An American actress known for her role in "Doctor Who" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."
Daphne Oz (Television Host, born 1986): An American television host, food writer, and nutrition author, co-host of "The Chew."
Daphne Groeneveld (Model, born 1994): A Dutch model recognized for her work with high fashion brands and magazine covers.
Daphne Rubin-Vega (Actress, born 1969): A Panamanian-American actress and singer who starred in the original cast of "Rent."

Daphne Blake ("Scooby-Doo," 1969 TV Series): A stylish and resourceful member of the Mystery Inc. gang who helps solve supernatural mysteries.
Daphne Bridgerton ("Bridgerton," 2020 TV Series): A young woman navigating London's high society in search of love and happiness.
"Daphne" (2007 Film): Follows the life of author Daphne du Maurier, exploring her personal and professional struggles.
Daphne Vasquez ("Switched at Birth," 2011 TV Series): A talented and determined deaf teenager who discovers she was switched at birth.
"The Daphne Chronicles" (2015 Novel Series): Chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Daphne who discovers a magical world.
Daphne Reynolds ("What a Girl Wants," 2003 Film): A spirited teenager who travels to England to find her estranged father and learn about her heritage.

Daphne City (Alabama, USA): A city located on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay, part of the Mobile metropolitan area.
Daphne Major Island (Galápagos Islands, Ecuador): One of the islands in the Galápagos archipelago, known for its unique wildlife and scientific research.
Daphne Park (Mississippi, USA): A public park located in the city of Laurel, featuring recreational facilities and green spaces.
Daphne Civic Center (Alabama, USA): A multifunctional event space in Daphne, hosting various community events and gatherings.
Daphne River (Western Australia, Australia): A river in Western Australia that flows into the Indian Ocean, providing important habitats for local wildlife.
Daphne Public Library (Alabama, USA): A library in the city of Daphne offering educational resources and community programs.
Daphne Recreation Area (Tennessee, USA): A recreational area located near Knoxville, offering outdoor activities and scenic views.

Delphine
Meaning: Dahl’s flower
Origin: ScandinavianDahlia
Meaning: Divine, heavenly, goddess
Origin: Latin, GreekDiana
Dina
Meaning: Dark challenger
Origin: IrishDelaney
Danica
Daria

Meaning: Bay laurel, laurel
Origin: LatinLaura
Meaning: Alluring enchantress
Origin: GermanLorelai
Laurence
Bay
Laurel
Lara
Silvan

Sibling Names for Daphne

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Daphne Also Like

Thanks for reading about the lovely name Daphne! If you enjoyed learning about it, feel free to like, share, and comment below. And don’t forget to share this with friends who might be looking for a beautiful name for their little one!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Daphne Name Meaning