At its core, Daphne is a botanical name with a history far deeper than its floral sisters like Rose or Lily. Rooted in Greek mythology, it represents transformation and victory.
Verdict: Daphne is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It hits the “sweet spot” of nomenclature: familiar enough to be spelled correctly, yet statistically distinct enough that your child won’t be one of three Daphnes in her kindergarten class. It offers a sophisticated alternative to the ultra-popular Chloe or Penelope.
Daphne Overview
- Meaning: Daphne means “laurel.”
- Gender: Daphne is typically a girls’ name.
- Origin: Greek.
- Pronunciation: “DAFF-knee”
- Popularity: At present, Daphne is a popular girls’ name.
- Nicknames: Daff, Daffy, Daphy, Fee, Fifi.
- Variations: Dafina, Dafna, Dafne, Dafné, Depine.
- Namesakes: Daphne Gautschi, Daphne Hampson, Daphne du Maurier, Daphne Park, Daphne Patai.
What Does Daphne Mean?
The name Daphne is Greek for “laurel tree.” However, to stop at the dictionary definition is to miss the name’s true power. In the ancient world, the laurel was not merely a shrub; it was a symbol of victory, honor, and artistic mastery.
The meaning is inextricably linked to the myth of Daphne and Apollo, famously recounted in Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’ (1). Because the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel tree to escape pursuit, the tree became sacred. When victors in the Pythian Games were crowned with laurel wreaths, they were essentially being crowned with “Daphne.” Therefore, naming a daughter Daphne is akin to naming her “Victory” or “Triumph.”
Where Does the Name Daphne Come From?
Daphne is an ancient name derived from the Greek word ‘Δάφνη’ (2). Its usage dates back millennia to Classical Greece.
In the lore, Daphne was a Naiad (a water nymph) and the daughter of the river god Peneus. She swore a vow of chastity to the goddess Artemis. When the god Apollo was struck by Cupid’s arrow, he relentlessly pursued Daphne. To protect her autonomy, she begged her father for help, and he transformed her into the laurel tree.
Despite these Greek origins, the name fell out of use for centuries until it was revived by the British gentry in the late 19th century. Many North Americans now view Daphne as a predominantly British name. This association stems from the Victorian “Language of Flowers” craze (3), where the daphne shrub symbolized the sentiment: “I would not have you otherwise.”
How Popular is the Name Daphne?
Daphne is a prime example of the “100-year rule,” where names tend to cycle back into fashion every century.
It was a staple in Britain and reasonably well-used in the US during the early 20th century before entering a quiet period. In the year 2000, it was hovering in the lower ranks (4), considered slightly dusty or eccentric.
However, the trajectory has shifted from “dusty” to “dazzling.” Since 2013, the name has been on a consistent upward climb. It is no longer a hidden gem but a rising star. The pop-culture phenomenon of Netflix’s Bridgerton poured gasoline on this fire, propelling Daphne from a “quirky choice” to a mainstream favorite. It is currently a popular choice that feels timeless rather than trendy; it is familiar to everyone but not yet overused.
How Do I Pronounce Daphne?
The standard English pronunciation is “DAFF-knee.”
- Syllables: Two.
- Emphasis: Stress is firmly on the first syllable.
This aligns with both the Anglicized and the Ancient Greek pronunciation (5). In some European languages, such as Dutch, you may hear a pronunciation closer to “DAHF-nuh,” but in the US and UK, the phonetic “DAFF-knee” is the rule.
Is Daphne a Boy or Girl Name?
Daphne is strictly a girl’s name.
The name is deeply tied to the feminine spirit through the Naiad mythology. Grammatically, the Greek rendering follows declension rules for feminine nouns. While many nature names (like River or Sage) are becoming unisex, Daphne remains traditionally female due to its strong association with floral girls’ names and the specific myth of the maiden turned tree.
Variations of Daphne
If you love the sound of Daphne but want something with a different cultural flair, consider these international variations:
- Dafne: The simplified spelling used in Italian, Spanish, and German.
- Dafné: The French variation, adding a touch of elegance.
- Dafina: An Albanian variation meaning “laurel.”
- Defne: The Turkish form, which is currently very popular in Turkey.
- Daphna: A Hebrew variation often used in Israel.
Nicknames for Daphne
Daphne is short enough to stand on its own, but parents often love a good diminutive.
- Common Nicknames: Daph, Daffy, Dee.
- Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Fee/Fi: Pulling from the second syllable, this sounds spunky and modern (similar to Coco or Bebe).
- Nina: derived from the final “ne” sound.
- Laurel: A “meta” nickname based on the meaning rather than the sound.
Names Similar to Daphne
If Daphne isn’t quite right, but you love the vibe, consider these options that share its vintage, Greek, or botanical DNA:
- Phoebe: Like Daphne, this is a Greek name with a mythological backstory that feels quirky and bright.
- Chloe: Another Greek moniker meaning “blooming,” it shares the “e” ending sound.
- Iris: A vintage flower name that is less frilly than Rose.
- Penelope: Shares the distinct Greek rhythm and mythological roots.
- Delphine: A French name meaning “dolphin” or referring to the delphinium flower; it offers a similar sophistication.
- Calliope: For parents who want something slightly bolder and more melodic.
- Florence: Shares the vintage, British-revival feel.
- Sylvia: Meaning “of the forest,” it shares Daphne’s nature connection and vintage charm.
Middle Names for Daphne
Daphne is a two-syllable name with a soft ending, making it versatile for pairing.
Classic & Timeless Pairings
These names ground Daphne in tradition, perfect for a sophisticated feel.
Vintage & Whimsical Pairings
These combinations lean into the “Bridgerton” or cottage-core aesthetic.
Modern & One-Syllable Pairings
Short middle names give Daphne a spunky, rhythmic bounce.
Sibling Names for Daphne
Building a sib-set around Daphne means looking for names that are established but not overused.
For a Brother
Boys’ names that pair best with Daphne often have a “gentlemanly” or soft-classic vibe.
- Arthur: Shares the vintage British charm.
- Felix: Upbeat, Latin origin, and historically established.
- Sebastian: A longer, melodic name that balances Daphne well.
- Jasper: Nature-adjacent but rugged.
- Theodore: Classic, nickname-rich, and friendly.
- Julian: Soft, sophisticated, and Roman in origin.
For a Sister
Sister names should match Daphne’s feminine strength without being too matchy-matchy.
- Eloise: Shares the French/British crossover appeal.
- Margot: A chic, vintage name that feels very current.
- Lydia: Another New Testament/Greek name with a literary history.
- Phoebe: The ultimate Greek mythological sister name.
- Matilda: Strong, vintage, and spunky.
- Violet: A floral match that doesn’t feel too thematic.
Famous People Named Daphne
While the name feels fresh, plenty of notable women have worn it well throughout history.
- Daphne du Maurier: The legendary British author of Rebecca and The Birds; she is perhaps the most famous historical bearer of the name.
- Daphne Guinness: An Anglo-Irish brewing heiress, fashion designer, and art collector known for her avant-garde style.
- Daphne Zuniga: American actress famous for her role in Melrose Place.
- Daphne Oram: A pioneer in electronic music and co-founder of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
- Daphne Oz: American nutrition author and television host.
Daphne in Pop Culture
- Daphne Bridgerton: The Duchess of Hastings and protagonist of the first season of Netflix’s massive hit Bridgerton, responsible for the name’s recent spike.
- Daphne Blake: The fashion-conscious, mystery-solving member of the Mystery Inc. gang in Scooby-Doo.
- Daphne Moon: The quirky, psychic, and beloved physical therapist in the sitcom Frasier.
FAQs About the Name Daphne
Daphne is a name with a rich and long history, dating back to Ancient Greece. As such, there are many frequently asked questions about the name Daphne intertwined with mythology.
What Is Daphne the Goddess of in Greek Mythology?
In Greek mythology, Daphne is a minor god or naiad. She is the daughter of a river god and influences specific rivers and bodies of water (6).
Are Daphne and Laurel the Same?
According to the myth, Daphne was chased after by the Greek god Apollo who fell in love with her. As he was about to finally catch her, she pleaded with her father Peneus to save her, so he turned her into a laurel tree.From that point on, Apollo revered laurel, so it started being given as a prize in his honor at the Pythian games held every four years (7).
Does the Myth of Daphne and Apollo Have a Moral?
Many Greek myths have a fable-esque aspect, offering life lessons to the reader. In the myth of Daphne, it’s about the importance of honor and learning when to let go of the thing you love.
Is the Name Daphne Biblical?
No, Daphne is not a Biblical name. It is firmly rooted in Greek mythology and pagan history. However, it was used by early Christians in the Antioch region, which helps explain its survival through the ages, even if it does not appear in scripture.
What Flower Symbolizes Daphne?
While the name literally means “laurel tree” (specifically the bay laurel), there is also a genus of shrubs called Daphne. These are known for their incredibly fragrant flowers and poisonous berries. In the Victorian language of flowers, the daphne flower signifies “sweets to the sweet” or “I would not have you otherwise.”
Is Daphne a Rare Name?
Daphne is currently in the “Goldilocks” zone of popularity. It is not rare, it is well within the top 300 names in the US and higher in the UK, but it is not ultra-common. You are unlikely to find three Daphnes in the same classroom, unlike names such as Olivia or Emma.
Is There a Spanish Version of Daphne?
Yes, the Spanish version of the name is spelled Dafne. It is pronounced similarly but with a slightly softer “ah” sound for the first vowel (DAHF-neh). This spelling is also common in Italy and Germany.
Why Did the Name Daphne Become Popular Recently?
The recent surge in Daphne’s popularity is largely attributed to the “Bridgerton Effect.” The release of the Netflix series Bridgerton in late 2020, which featured Daphne Bridgerton as the lead character, introduced the name to a new generation of parents who fell in love with its aristocratic yet spirited vibe.
