Daphne
Meaning of Daphne
The name Daphne, pronounced DAF-nee (/ˈdæfni/), is of Greek origin and means "laurel" or "bay tree." In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of the god Apollo. This mythological association lends the name a sense of natural beauty and timeless elegance. The name has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States over the years, with notable peaks in the mid-20th century and a resurgence in recent years. In 2023, it ranked as the 241st most popular name for newborn girls, with 1,257 occurrences. A common variation of this name is Dafne. Daphne's rich historical and cultural roots make it a classic choice that carries both grace and strength.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as DAF-nee (/ˈdæfni/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Daphne
| Daphne Caruana Galizia - Daphne Anne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese writer, journalist, and anti-corruption activist known for her investigative reporting on political events in Malta and her tragic assassination. |
| Dame Daphne du Maurier, Lady Browning, was a renowned English novelist, biographer, and playwright, with a family background in the arts. |
| Daphne Blake Oram was a pioneering British composer and electronic musician, known for her early contributions to electronic sound and musique concrète, as well as her influential work at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. |
| Daphne Guinness - Daphne Diana Joan Susanna Guinness is a multi-talented English fashion designer, socialite, actress, film producer, and musician. |
| Margaret Daphne Hampson is an influential English theologian known for her distinctive theological position and her belief in the overcoming of patriarchal religion for human emancipation. |
| Daphne Zuniga - Daphne Eurydice Zúñiga is an American actress known for her roles in slasher films such as The Dorm That Dripped Blood and The Initiation. |
| Daphne Rubin-Vega is a multi-talented American performer known for originating iconic roles in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. |
| Daphne Odjig, D.Litt. LL. D., was a Canadian First Nations artist known for her Woodlands Style and pictographic paintings. |
| Daphne Nur Oz is an American television host, food writer, and chef known for her appearances on The Chew and The Good Dish. |
| Daphne Marlatt is a Canadian poet and novelist residing in Vancouver, British Columbia. |
| Dame Daphne Marjorie Sheldrick was a renowned Kenyan-British author, conservationist, and expert in animal husbandry, known for her work in raising and reintegrating orphaned elephants into the wild, and as the founder of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. |
| Daphne Koller is an Israeli-American computer scientist known for her work in artificial intelligence and as one of the founders of Coursera. |
| Daphne Iking is a Malaysian television personality, emcee, and occasional actress. |
| Daphne van Domselaar is a Dutch professional footballer known for her role as a goalkeeper for Aston Villa in the Women's Super League and the Netherlands national team. |
| Daphne Wright is an Irish visual artist known for her sculptural installations and has exhibited internationally, receiving prestigious awards and fellowships. |
