Daphne

“Laurel tree or bay tree” — Associated with victory and honor

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#241US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

↑Rising

37.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 188600.06% of births at peak

How to pronounce Daphne

DAFN·ee

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

“Laurel tree or bay tree”

Associated with victory and honor · Greek origin

What does Daphne mean and where does it come from?

Daphne is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'daphnē', meaning 'laurel tree' or 'bay tree'. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's advances, thus making the name associated with victory and honor. The name has been in use since anc

Cultural significance

Daphne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of laurel tree or bay tree.

Peak popularity

Reached #266 in 1962 — currently #241 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Daphne?

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

Daphne Grace

How popular is Daphne right now?

Rising — up 38 spots — currently #241 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#241 · Top 0.18%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#241	1,265	▲ up 38 · +12% births
2022	#279	1,132	▲ up 10 · +3% births
2021	#289	1,102	▲ up 126 · +48% births
2020	#415	744	▼ down 37 · -14% births
2015	#378	864	▲ up 111 · +40% births
2010	#489	618	▲ up 65 · +19% births
2005	#554	520	▲ up 79 · +32% births
2000	#633	395	▲ up 230 · +76% births
1995	#863	225	▼ down 98 · -16% births
1990	#765	268	▼ down 107 · -3% births
1985	#658	276	▼ down 19 · -3% births
1980	#639	285	▼ down 159 · -26% births
1975	#480	383	▼ down 120 · -44% births
1970	#360	684	▼ down 4 · +7% births
1965	#356	641	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Daphne

Best Year2023Rank #241

Peak Count1,265

Average Rank#626

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Daphne

Daphne has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. A total of 37,356 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #726 in 1890 to #241 in 2023. Daphne is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Daphne in 1962:

Lisa Mary Susan Karen Linda

Daphne by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	26
1890s	131
1900s	162
1910s	498
1920s	1,057
1930s	764
1940s	1,321
1950s	2,789
1960s	6,936
1970s	4,827
1980s	2,697
1990s	2,520
2000s	5,124
2010s ★	7,760
2020s	744

What are good nicknames for Daphne?

Common

DapDaAphne

Famous people named Daphne

Daphne (Greek poet or artist)

Daphne helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Daphne (Greek mythological figure)

Daphne carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Daphne (Byzantine leader)

Daphne used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Daphne (Greek poet or artist)

Daphne helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Daphne?

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

Daphyne

Greece · Greek

Daphene

Greece · laurel tree, symbol

American · Derived from 'Dwayne',

Dawnne

American · The first appearance

How is Daphne written in other languages?

Δαφνη

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Daphne

What does the name Daphne mean?

Daphne means "Laurel tree or bay 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 Daphne?

Daphne is currently ranked #241 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Daphne have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Daphne?

Daphne 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 do you pronounce the name Daphne?

Daphne is a two-syllable name pronounced D AE1 F N IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Daphne trending right now?

Daphne is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.