Girl
Greek
2 syllables
Daphne
DAF-nee
/ˈdæfni/
"The laurel" — a name of ancient Greek myth, wild spirit, and enduring literary elegance
Daphne comes from Greek mythology: a nymph beloved by Apollo who, fleeing his pursuit, was transformed into a laurel tree by her father Peneus. Apollo made the laurel his sacred tree in her memory — which is why laurel wreaths crown the victorious to this day. The name has a crisp, two-syllable snap that feels both ancient and bracingly modern. After decades of quiet use, Daphne has surged in popularity, fueled partly by the Netflix series Bridgerton and the timeless appeal of its mythological roots.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesDaph · ne
GenderGirl
OriginGreek
Root WordDaphne
MeaningLaurel tree
PopularityPopular
Peak Year2021
Trend
↑ Rising
Nicknames
DaphDaphie
About the Name Daphne
Daphne means 'laurel tree' in Greek. In mythology, Daphne was a naiad nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the god Apollo's pursuit. Apollo adopted the laurel as his sacred tree in her honor, and the tradition of crowning victors with laurel wreaths ultimately traces back to this myth. The name thus carries themes of victory, transformation, and enduring beauty.
Daphne was a Naiad nymph and the daughter of the river god Peneus. The god Apollo fell madly in love with her (some say because Eros shot him with a golden arrow), but Daphne wished to remain a virgin huntress. As Apollo pursued her, she prayed to her father for help and was transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo, heartbroken, made the laurel his sacred symbol forever after.
Daphne is associated with intelligence, elegance, and a spirited independence. People named Daphne are often perceived as quick-witted, bookish, and gracefully self-possessed — someone who knows her own mind and isn't easily swayed. The Scooby-Doo Daphne is stylish and plucky; the mythological Daphne is fierce and free. Both traditions inform a sense of someone thoroughly herself.
Yes, Daphne has been one of the most notable rising names of the early 2020s. It entered the US top 150 and is still climbing, driven by the Bridgerton effect, a broader love of Greek mythology names, and the appealing vintage-but-fresh quality that makes names like Daphne, Cleo, and Iris so attractive to modern parents.
Daphne pairs beautifully with a wide range of middles. Lovely options include Daphne Rose, Daphne Grace, Daphne Elise, Daphne Violet, and Daphne Pearl. The name's mythological character also shines before botanical middles like Daphne Iris or Daphne Wren. Single-syllable middles create the crispest, most elegant flow.
Daphne has moved from uncommon to firmly popular in recent years. It is currently in the Popular tier in the United States and has been trending upward in the UK and Australia as well. While not yet one of the most common names, it is well-known enough that most people will recognize it immediately, giving it the ideal balance of distinctiveness and accessibility.
Personality of Daphne
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Daphne
Creativity
84%
Elegance
88%
Independence
86%
Intelligence
86%
Strength
76%
Warmth
78%
Famous People Named Daphne
D
Daphne du Maurier
British author of Rebecca, one of the 20th century's most beloved gothic novels
D
Daphne (Greek mythology)
Naiad nymph transformed into a laurel tree; Apollo's tragic love
D
Daphne Bridgerton
Heroine of the Netflix series Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor
D
Daphne Zuniga
American actress known for Melrose Place
Middle Names for Daphne
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Daphne
Daphne Rose
Daphne Grace
Daphne Elise
Daphne Violet
Daphne Pearl
Daphne Celeste
Daphne Claire
Daphne Mae
Daphne Iris
Daphne Wren
Daphne Faye
Daphne June
Names Similar to Daphne
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Daphne
800 BCE
Daphne's myth first recorded in Greek literature; her transformation becomes a symbol of chaste beauty
1938
Daphne du Maurier publishes Rebecca, her masterpiece, bringing literary glory to the name
1969
Daphne appears as a main character in Scooby-Doo, introducing the name to generations of children
2020
Netflix's Bridgerton features Daphne Bridgerton as its lead, sparking a surge in the name's popularity
Numerology & Symbolism of Daphne
3
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
6
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Gemini
3
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Laurel Green
💎
Lucky Stone
Green Jade
🌸
Lucky Flower
Laurel
Daphne Around the World
How Daphne is written in different languages and scripts
دافني
Arabic
ダフネ
Japanese
Дафна
Russian
다프네
Korean
达芙妮
Chinese
Δάφνη
Greek
डैफ्ने
Hindi
דפנה
Hebrew
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