Dafna

“laurel” — Symbolizes triumph

Israel origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1595US 2023

605Births / yr

→Stable

74All-time births

📅 Since 196500

How to pronounce Dafna

DAFN·uh

/ˈdæfn.ə/ · stress on DAFN · 2 syllables

“laurel”

Symbolizes triumph · Israel origin

What does Dafna mean and where does it come from?

Dafna (דַּפְנָה) is a Hebrew name meaning 'laurel', which is a symbol of victory and honor in many cultures. The name is commonly used in Israel and has grown in popularity over recent decades. The laurel leaf has been significant since antiquity and symbolizes triumph, indicating a storied history

Cultural significance

Dafna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of laurel.

Peak popularity

Reached #7398 in 1965 — currently #1595 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Dafna?

Dafna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dafna Grace

How popular is Dafna right now?

Holding steady — currently #1595 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#1595 · Top 1.2%

1965

1970

1975

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1595	605	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1600	585	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1605	555	▲ up 8033 · +9150% births
1980	#9638	6	▼ down 1992 · -14% births
1975	#7646	7	▲ up 1160 · +40% births
1970	#8806	5	▼ down 1408
1965	#7398	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dafna

Best Year2023Rank #1595

Peak Count605

Average Rank#5470

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1965 - 20237 years

The story of Dafna

Dafna is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. With 74 total births recorded, Dafna remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7398 in 1965 to #1595 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Dafna in 1965:

Lisa Mary Karen Kimberly Susan

Dafna by decade

Dafna peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	10
1970s	12
1980s	16
1990s	5
2000s ★	22
2010s	9

💎Dafna has only 74 total recorded births since 1965 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Dafna?

Common

DafDa

What names sound and feel like Dafna?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dafna also consider these

Danna

American · A feminine form

Dayna

English · A beloved name

Darna

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Dagna

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Dana

English · from Denmark

Dahna

American · صديقة, which means

How is Dafna written in other languages?

דַּפְנָה

Hebrew

Common questions about the name Dafna

What does the name Dafna mean?

Dafna means "laurel" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Dafna?

Dafna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Dafna?

Dafna originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Dafna?

Dafna is a two-syllable name pronounced D AE1 F N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Dafna a common or rare name?

Dafna is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.