"laurel, bay tree"
Origin: Greek via Turkish
Language: Turkish
Defne
Does Defne flow with your last name?
The Turkish Daphne — laurel-crowned and eternally victorious
Turkish
Greek
Middle Eastern
Elegant
Classic
Earthy
Sophisticated
Vintage
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Meaning & Origin
"victory symbol (laurel wreath)"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
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The Story of Defne
Defne is the Turkish form of the Greek name Daphne, derived from the Greek word for laurel or bay tree. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo. The laurel became Apollos sacred plant, and laurel wreaths were given to victors and poets — making Defne a name of triumph and creativity.
Defne is one of the most popular girls names in Turkey, consistently ranking in the top 10. It has gained international attention as Turkish soap operas (dizis) have found global audiences, and characters named Defne have become beloved across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and beyond.
The laurel tree has profound meaning in Greco-Turkish cultural heritage — it represents victory, poetry, and divine favor. In Turkey, Defne is considered both classically beautiful and connected to Mediterranean nature. The name bridges Greek mythology with Turkish cultural identity.
Historical Record
Defne first appeared in US Social Security records in 1993.
Over 626 babies have been named Defne in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Defne is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,298 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Defne is consistently one of the top 5 most popular girl names in Turkey
- The character Defne from the Turkish drama Kiralik Ask became hugely popular across the Middle East
Defne in Other Languages
Greek
Δάφνη (Daphne)
French
Daphné
Italian
Dafne
Spanish
Dafne
Turkish
Defne
Popularity Over Time
#4,298
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Defne
D
Daphne du Maurier
Writer
1907
British author of Rebecca and Jamaica Inn, one of the most famous bearers of the name
D
Daphne (Greek mythology) Fictional
Other
Greek naiad nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo; the source of the laurel wreath tradition
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,298
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Turkish Greek Middle Eastern
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Def
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Defne
8 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Defne
What does the name Defne mean?
"laurel, bay tree" (from Greek via Turkish). "victory symbol (laurel wreath)" (from Greek mythology). Defne is the Turkish form of the Greek name Daphne, derived from the Greek word for laurel or bay tree. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo. The laurel became Apollos sacred plant, and laurel wreaths were given to victors and poets — making Defne a name of triumph and creativity.
What is the origin of the name Defne?
Defne has Greek via Turkish, Greek mythology, Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern origins. In Greek via Turkish, it means "laurel, bay tree". In Greek mythology, it means "victory symbol (laurel wreath)".
Is Defne a boy or girl name?
Defne is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Defne?
Defne is currently ranked #4298 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Defne?
Common nicknames for Defne include Def.
What are good middle names for Defne?
Popular middle name pairings include Defne Su, Defne Nil, Defne Yaz, Defne Nur, Defne Ipek, Defne Sera, Defne Lale, and Defne Lila.
What are good sibling names for Defne?
Names that pair well with Defne as siblings include Ayla, Elif, Yaren, Asya, Leyla, Demir, Beren, and Ceren.
How many syllables does Defne have?
Defne has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Defne a common or rare name?
Defne is an uncommon name, ranked #4298 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Defne
Defne is a girl name with Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern origins . The name means "laurel, bay tree" in Greek via Turkish .
Defne is currently ranked #4,298 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Defne has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Defne include Def. 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