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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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Dafna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dafna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dafna Claire
French influence · crisp
Dafna Jane
Literary · strong
Dafna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dafna right now?
Holding steady — currently #1595 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Dafna by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Dafna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dafna also consider these
How is Dafna written in other languages?
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.