Daphne is a Greek feminine given name derived from the word "dafne," which means laurel in Greek. The laurel tree was sacred to Apollo, the god of light and prophecy, and its leaves were often used to create wreaths for victorious athletes and poets.
The name Daphne is also associated with the nymph Daphne in Greek mythology. She was a beautiful woodland sprite who refused to marry any man, choosing instead to devote herself to the service of Artemis, goddess of the hunt. However, Apollo pursued her relentlessly until she prayed to Artemis to transform her into something else so that she could escape him. Artemis granted her wish and transformed Daphne into a laurel tree.
Due to its association with the laurel tree and the myth of Daphne, this name has been popular throughout history among various cultures. It was particularly favored by European royalty during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.
Today, Daphne remains a popular given name for girls around the world, carrying with it the timeless elegance and grace associated with its Greek origins.
"The name Dafne experienced a significant increase in popularity between 1988 and 2001, with a notable spike to 58 births in the year 2000 and peaking at 248 births in 2023. However, there has been a general decline since 2014, with the most recent years showing fewer than 100 births annually."