Daphne
Daphne is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Laurel tree or bay tree.
Origin and history
Daphne is a classic name of Ancient Greek origin derived from the word for the laurel tree. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. It has enjoyed steady popularity in the United States, seeing a notable resurgence in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
44,182 babies in the United States have been named Daphne since 1880. It ranks #647 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #240.
States where it is most popular
- CA (13 %)
- TX (10.2 %)
- NY (8.2 %)
- FL (5.2 %)
- NC (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 26 |
| 1890-1900 | 131 |
| 1900-1910 | 162 |
| 1910-1920 | 498 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,057 |
| 1930-1940 | 764 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,321 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,789 |
| 1960-1970 | 6,933 |
| 1970-1980 | 4,827 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,699 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,519 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,126 |
| 2010-2019 | 7,768 |
| 2020-2029 | 7,562 |
Famous people named Daphne
- Daphne du Maurier: Author, Playwright
- Daphne Zuniga: Actress
Nicknames
Daph, Daphie
Fun facts
- In Greek myth, Daphne was turned into a laurel tree, making laurel wreaths a ancient symbol of victory and honor.
- Daphne is also a genus of Eurasian shrubs famous for their fragrant flowers and brightly colored berries.