Daphne is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "laurel" or "leafy crown," and it was originally associated with the nymph Daphne in Greek mythology. According to the myth, Daphne was pursued by Apollo, the god of the sun, but she refused his advances. She prayed to her father, the river god Peneus, for help, and he transformed her into a laurel tree to protect her from Apollo's pursuit.
The name Daphne has been used throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including Saint Daphne, who was martyred in the 4th century, and Daphne du Maurier, the British author known for her novel "Rebecca." The name gained popularity during the Victorian era and has since remained a popular choice among parents.
In terms of its meaning and origin, Daphne is often associated with beauty, grace, and transformation. It is also connected to nature and growth, due to its association with the laurel tree. Throughout history, the name Daphne has been worn by women from various backgrounds and walks of life, showcasing its timelessness and universality.
The name Daphine has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and valleys. Between 1914 and 1938, there was an average of around 20 births per year with some fluctuations ranging from as low as 7 to as high as 32 births in any given year.
However, a significant drop occurred between 1939 and 1945, with the number of births falling below 20 each year. This trend continued until the mid-1950s when the popularity of the name started to rise again, reaching a peak of 49 births in 1962.
In the following decades, the popularity of the name Daphine fluctuated, with peaks in the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, it gradually declined from the mid-1970s onwards, with fewer than 15 births per year recorded from 1976 to 2003.
Despite this decline, the name Daphine has managed to maintain some level of popularity in recent years, with around 5 to 8 births reported annually between 2004 and 2010. This shows that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it still holds significance among parents naming their daughters in the United States.
In total, there have been 1,496 babies named Daphine born in the United States since 1914. Despite its ups and downs in popularity over the years, this unique name continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn daughters.