"laurel tree"
Origin: Greek daphne
Language: Greek
Daphne
Pronunciation: [ d-AFN-ee ]
Does Daphne flow with your last name?
Apollo's sacred laurel — a mythic name now crossing gender lines
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Meaning & Origin
"victory, achievement (from laurel symbolism)"
Origin: Greek mythology via Latin
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Traditionally a girl's name — use as a boy's name may draw questions and require explanation in many cultural contexts
The Story of Daphne
Daphne is a Greek name meaning laurel tree (from Greek 'daphne,' the laurel or bay tree). In Greek mythology, Daphne was a naiad nymph, daughter of the river god Peneus. When Apollo relentlessly pursued her, she prayed for escape and was transformed into a laurel tree. Heartbroken, Apollo declared the laurel his sacred tree — which is why laurel wreaths became symbols of victory and achievement. Traditionally a girl's name, Daphne is here used for a boy — a bold gender-crossing choice in the contemporary gender-neutral naming movement.
Daphne has historically been exclusively feminine, but the recent trend of using traditionally female names for boys (following names like Evelyn, Ashley, and Leslie making the reverse journey) has opened the door. On boys, Daphne reads as a strong statement of naming freedom.
The laurel wreath — Apollo's tribute to the nymph Daphne — became the symbol of achievement in ancient Greece and Rome, and lives on in the 'laureate' tradition (Nobel Laureate, Poet Laureate). A boy named Daphne carries this legacy of hard-won triumph.
Historical Record
Daphne first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 7 babies have been named Daphne in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Daphne is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #13,085 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The laurel wreath awarded in ancient Greece — a symbol of Daphne's transformation — is the origin of the word 'baccalaureate' (bachelor's degree)
- Daphne du Maurier wrote Rebecca (1938), considered one of the greatest Gothic novels in English literature
- Daphne is one of the most recognizable characters in Scooby-Doo, which helped keep the name familiar to modern generations
Daphne in Other Languages
Greek
Δάφνη (Daphni)
French
Daphné
German
Daphne
Italian
Dafne
Spanish
Dafne
Popularity Over Time
#13,085
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #13,085
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Daph
Daf
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Daphne
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Daphne is also used as a girl name, ranked #191.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Daphne
What does the name Daphne mean?
"laurel tree" (from Greek daphne). "victory, achievement (from laurel symbolism)" (from Greek mythology via Latin). Daphne is a Greek name meaning laurel tree (from Greek 'daphne,' the laurel or bay tree). In Greek mythology, Daphne was a naiad nymph, daughter of the river god Peneus. When Apollo relentlessly pursued her, she prayed for escape and was transformed into a laurel tree. Heartbroken, Apollo declared the laurel his sacred tree — which is why laurel wreaths became symbols of victory and achievement. Traditionally a girl's name, Daphne is here used for a boy — a bold gender-crossing choice in the contemporary gender-neutral naming movement.
What is the origin of the name Daphne?
Daphne has Greek daphne, Greek mythology via Latin, Greek, English, French, and American origins. In Greek daphne, it means "laurel tree". In Greek mythology via Latin, it means "victory, achievement (from laurel symbolism)".
Is Daphne a boy or girl name?
Daphne is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #13085. As a girl name, it is ranked #191. Daphne is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Daphne?
Daphne is pronounced d-AFN-ee.
How popular is the name Daphne?
Daphne is currently ranked #13085 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Daphne?
Common nicknames for Daphne include Daph and Daf.
What are good middle names for Daphne?
Popular middle name pairings include Daphne James, Daphne Wilde, Daphne Soren, Daphne Blair, Daphne Lee, and Daphne Quinn.
What are good sibling names for Daphne?
Names that pair well with Daphne as siblings include Apollo, Hyacinth, Persephone, Hermes, Iris, and Clio.
How many syllables does Daphne have?
Daphne has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Daphne a common or rare name?
Daphne is an uncommon name, ranked #13085 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Daphne
Daphne is a boy name with Greek, English, French, and American origins . The name means "laurel tree" in Greek daphne .
Is Daphne a boy or girl name? Daphne is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #13,085 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #191. Daphne is more commonly used as a girl name.
Daphne is currently ranked #13,085 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Daphne has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AFN-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Daphne include Daph and Daf. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis