Log in · Sign up

Daphne Girl

Popularity: #184 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationDAF-nee / /ˈdæf.ni/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: laurel; English: the laurel tree

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Daphne has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word "daphnē," which means "laurel." In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the advances of the god Apollo. This mythological association with the laurel tree, a symbol of victory and honor, contributed to the name's enduring significance in various cultures. The name entered Latin as "Daphne," maintaining its original form and meaning, before being adopted into Old French and subsequently into Middle English, where it retained its classical connotations.

Historically, the name Daphne has been borne by various figures in literature and art, particularly during the Renaissance, when classical themes were revived. The story of Daphne and Apollo was popularized in Ovid's "Metamorphoses," written in the early 1st century AD, which influenced countless works of art and literature throughout the centuries. The name also appears in early Christian texts, where it was sometimes associated with purity and transformation, reflecting the nymph's metamorphosis into a laurel tree.

Culturally, Daphne symbolizes beauty, protection, and the triumph of virtue over desire, which has allowed the name to resonate through various artistic expressions, including poetry, painting, and music. The laurel tree itself has been a potent symbol of achievement, often used in the crowning of victors in ancient Greece and Rome. The diminutive form "Daph" has occasionally been used in literature, though the full name remains more prominent in historical contexts. Overall, Daphne's rich etymological background and its connections to mythology and symbolism have contributed to its lasting legacy.

Trend Summary

Daphne has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Daphney
  • Dafne

International Variants

  • Dafne (Italian)
  • Daphne (French)
  • Dafni (Greek)

Famous people named Daphne

Daphne du Maurier is a novelist best known for Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, and Frenchman's Creek.

Daphne Blake is a fictional character best known as a member of the Mystery Inc. team in the Scooby-Doo franchise.

Daphne Zuniga is an actress best known for Spaceballs, Melrose Place, and The Sure Thing.

Fictional characters named Daphne

Daphne Blake is a fictional character from the animated and live-action series Scooby-Doo. She is a member of the Mystery Inc. team known for her fashion sense and resourcefulness in solving mysteries.

Daphne is a fictional character from the film franchise The Hunger Games. She is a key figure in the rebellion against the oppressive Capitol, showcasing bravery and leadership.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Daphne was first seen in the United States in 1886. Daphne has ranked as high as #386 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Daphne has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Daphne (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 170
11%
TX 163
11%
NY 101
7%
FL 95
6%
PA 66
4%
WA 63
4%
IL 54
4%
NJ 47
3%
NC 46
3%
OH 42
3%
AZ 41
3%
GA 38
3%
VA 38
3%
MN 35
2%
MO 35
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18866
18876
18885
18899
189015
18918
189212
189310
189415
189512
189615
189718
189814
189912
190017
190113
190216
190314
190412
190510
190621
190714
190820
190925
191017
191118
191228
191328
191437
191565
191664
191768
191891
191982
1920104
1921104
1922106
1923107
1924114
1925120
1926105
192799
1928107
192991
193097
193176
193285
193385
193471
193571
193679
193794
193850
193956
194098
1941111
1942106
1943103
1944113
1945104
1946136
1947179
1948166
1949205
1950252
1951221
1952264
1953257
1954259
1955250
1956262
1957313
1958393
1959318
1960295
1961670
19621,132
1963926
1964766
1965641
1966617
1967605
1968640
1969641
1970683
1971778
1972556
1973536
1974503
1975383
1976440
1977347
1978301
1979300
1980286
1981273
1982296
1983305
1984281
1985276
1986245
1987238
1988277
1989222
1990268
1991223
1992220
1993210
1994280
1995225
1996241
1997244
1998284
1999324
2000396
2001597
2002465
2003460
2004477
2005520
2006478
2007512
2008571
2009649
2010618
2011673
2012744
2013777
2014919
2015864
2016819
2017812
2018808
2019734
2020752
20211,102
20221,132
20231,265
20241,564