What does Dafne mean and where does it come from?
Dafne, derived from the Greek word 'Daphne', means 'laurel tree'. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph associated with trees and was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. The name has been used widely in both Greek and Spanish cultures. It symbolizes victory and honor, as laurel wreaths
Cultural significance
Dafne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of laurel tree.
Peak popularity
Reached #969 in 2001 — currently #1019 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dafne?
Dafne works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dafne Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dafne Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dafne Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dafne Claire
French influence · crisp
Dafne Jane
Literary · strong
Dafne Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dafne right now?
Rising fast — up 396 spots — currently #1019 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1019 | 248 | ▲ up 396 · +55% births |
| 2022 | #1415 | 160 | ▲ up 460 · +51% births |
| 2021 | #1875 | 106 | ▲ up 397 · +36% births |
| 2020 | #2272 | 78 | ▼ down 177 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #2095 | 93 | ▼ down 188 · -12% births |
| 2010 | #1907 | 106 | ▼ down 168 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #1739 | 114 | ▲ up 848 · +97% births |
| 2000 | #2587 | 58 | ▲ up 2603 · +205% births |
| 1995 | #5190 | 19 | ▲ up 2656 · +73% births |
| 1990 | #7846 | 11 | — |
The story of Dafne
Dafne is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 2,460 total births recorded, Dafne remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7846 in 1990 to #1019 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dafne in 2001:
Dafne by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 22 | |
| 1990s | 175 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,199 | |
| 2010s | 986 | |
| 2020s | 78 | |
💎With 2,460 total births, Dafne is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Dafne?
Famous people named Dafne
D(
Dafne (modern Greek athlete)
Dafne brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
D(
Dafne (Byzantine leader)
Dafne used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
D(
Dafne (Greek poet or artist)
Dafne helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
D(
Dafne (modern Greek athlete)
Dafne brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dafne?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dafne also consider these
How is Dafne written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Dafne
What does the name Dafne mean?
Dafne means "Laurel tree" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Dafne?
Dafne is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Dafne have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Dafne?
Dafne originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Dafne sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dafne flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dafne ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Dafne trending right now?
Dafne is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.