The nameDaphne
Daphne is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "laurel". The nymph who became a laurel tree, it is elegant and literary.
- Girl's name
- Greek
Meaning
Daphne is the Greek word for the laurel tree.
Origin
Greek. In mythology, the nymph Daphne is turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, who then makes the laurel his sacred plant.
History
Daphne du Maurier, author of Rebecca, made it famous. The series Bridgerton, with Daphne Bridgerton, gave it a new audience. It is in the American top 200.
Did you know?
- Alfred Hitchcock adapted two works by Daphne du Maurier: Rebecca (1940) and The Birds (1963).
Famous people named Daphne
- Daphne du Maurier, novelist
- Daphne Bridgerton, Bridgerton character
- Daphne Blake, Scooby-Doo character
- Daphne Oram, composer
Popularity of the name Daphne
Daphne in the United States
Daphne was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 7,768 births over the decade, 18% of all recorded babies named Daphne. Its rise began around 1947, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Daphne in the United States were born before 1990. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 1,163 births a year on average, against 807 in the five years before.
Daphne in the United Kingdom
Daphne was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 1,705 births over the decade, 65% of all recorded babies named Daphne. Its rise began around 2010, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Daphne in the United Kingdom were born before 2022, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 312 births a year on average, against 112 in the five years before.
Daphne in France
Daphne in Belgium
Sibling names for Daphne
Names from the same generation as Daphne, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Daphne? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Daphne with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Daphne side by side with the name of your choice.
Daphne in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Daphne mean?
Daphne is the Greek word for the laurel tree.
What is the origin of the name Daphne?
Greek. In mythology, the nymph Daphne is turned into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, who then makes the laurel his sacred plant.
Is Daphne a girl's or a boy's name?
Daphne is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Daphne?
In 2024, Daphne was the 191st most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 1,564 births.
What are good sibling names for Daphne?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Phoebe, Elaine, Anastasia and Iris for a sister, Orion, Leandro, Warren and Felix for a brother.
Who are famous people named Daphne?
Daphne du Maurier, novelist; Daphne Bridgerton, Bridgerton character; Daphne Blake, Scooby-Doo character; Daphne Oram, composer.