Daphne - name meaning and origin

The girl's name Daphne \d(a)-ph-ne\ is pronounced DAFF-nee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "laurel tree". Mythology: virtuous Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to protect her from Apollo. The name was used under the Roman Empire, but disappeared until the 18th century. It came to America as a slave name. Dafne is a Swedish form. Author Daphne Du Maurier.

Daphne has 12 variant forms: Daffi, Daffie, Daffy, Dafna, Dafne, Dafnee, Dafneigh, Dafnie, Danfy, Daphna, Daphney and Daphnie.

For more information, see also the related name Daveney.

Baby names that sound like Daphne are Davine, Davonne, Davina, Davynn, Daviane and Divine.

Daphne is a very popular female first name and a very rare surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Daphne. Compare Daphne with related baby names.