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 has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting with just 11 births each year from 1988 to 1990, the number of babies named Dafne began to rise steadily, reaching a peak of 248 births in 2023.
The years between 2000 and 2002 marked a significant turning point for the name Dafne. In just three years, the number of annual births with this name jumped from 58 in 2000 to 224 in 2001, indicating that more parents were choosing this unique name for their daughters.
Since 2002, the popularity of the name Dafne has remained relatively stable, with fluctuations between 83 and 160 births per year. However, it is clear that the name continues to be favored by many parents, as evidenced by its consistent presence among newborns in recent years.
Overall, a total of 2975 babies named Dafne have been born in the United States since 1988. While this may not compare to some more popular names, it is still an impressive figure and a testament to the enduring appeal of the name Dafne for parents looking for something distinctive yet beautiful for their daughters.