Daphne
2 syllables
♀ Female ◎ Dutch / English / Greek ◈ 2 syllables
"Laurel Tree"

From Dutch / English / Greek

Daphne means laurel tree — because in Greek mythology, the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel to escape Apollo's pursuit. It's a story about choosing autonomy over a god's desire. Daphne du Maurier wrote Rebecca, one of the greatest novels in English. Bridgerton's Daphne Bridgerton made the name a 21st-century sensation. It carries choice, transformation, and literary power.

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Daphne at a glance
MeaningLaurel Tree
OriginDutch / English / Greek
GenderFemale
Syllables2
NumerologyLife Path 3
US Rank (today)#340
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Why parents love Daphne
  • The mythology is about choosing autonomy — a powerful feminist origin.
  • Bridgerton's Daphne made it a modern sensation.
  • Du Maurier wrote Rebecca — serious literary weight.
  • Two syllables with a soft, distinctive sound: DAF-nee.
  • The botanical laurel connection gives it nature-name appeal.
The vibe of Daphne
laurelautonomousmythologicalBridgertonliterarytransformativebotanicalfeminist
Origin & history of Daphne
νη (daphnē, laurel tree) mythological nymph Daphne English Daphne
1
Dutch / English / Greek roots
Daphne comes from the Greek daphnē, meaning laurel tree. In Ovid's Metamorphoses, the nymph Daphne is pursued by Apollo and, rather than submit, prays to be transformed — she becomes a laurel tree, and Apollo makes the laurel his sacred plant. Daphne du Maurier (1907–1989) wrote Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, and The Birds. Bridgerton (2020) featured Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, sending the name surging. Scooby-Doo's Daphne Blake keeps it visible for younger audiences.
2
First recorded
Earliest known use: Ancient Greek mythology; used as a given name in English from the 19th century.
3
Today
Daphne remains a beloved choice, ranking #340 in the US. 42,441 babies have been named Daphne since 1886.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, SSA data
How popular is Daphne?
2024 peak year
Today, Daphne ranks around #340 in the United States, with roughly 985 new arrivals per year. But it wasn't always this way. At its peak in 2024, 1,564 babies were given the name (ranked #192 nationally). Its strongest stretch was the 2010s. Daphne has been trending upward in recent years. In all, around 42,441 babies have been registered as Daphne since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations 1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
1,564 Babies named in peak year
(ranked #192)
985 Avg. per year
(last decade)
9,850 Total registrations
last 10 years
42,441 All-time total
(since 1880)
Popularity in the US today (rank #340) Popular
↑ Trending upward in recent years
📊 Check all names registered in the United States →
Numerology of Daphne
3
Life path number
The Creator
Creativity, joy and self-expression.

Daphne's Life Path 8 is the achiever's number — achievement through transformation. People named Daphne tend to be resourceful, autonomous, and capable of transforming themselves when circumstances demand it.

Transforms when needed
Autonomous achiever
Chooses her own form
Resourceful and strong
Laurel-crowned
D4
A1
P7
H8
N5
E5
Sum: 30 → Life path 3
Personality of Daphne
Bright & creative
Imaginative, expressive, endlessly inventive.
😊
Magnetic warmth
Their laugh is contagious. People love being near them.
🌈
Eternal optimist
Even in dark moments they find the light.
🗣️
Storyteller
They can describe anything and make it fascinating.
Names that sound like Daphne

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Names that combine with Daphne

Sibling pairings that share the timeless, classic energy of Daphne.

Middle names for Daphne

The right middle name turns Daphne into a complete story. Explore options for first-and-middle pairings, then last-name flow.

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Numerology life path calculator

Enter any full name and date of birth to discover the life path number — a core numerological indicator of personality, purpose and destiny.

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7
Life path number

How we calculated this
Daphne is a beautiful choice.
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