Daphne is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "daphnē" which means "laurel". In Greek mythology, Daphne was a beautiful nymph who was pursued by Apollo, the god of light and prophecy. To escape his pursuit, she called upon her father, a river god, for help. He turned her into a laurel tree to protect her from Apollo's advances. Apollo then made the laurel his sacred plant and would wear it on his head as a wreath during ceremonies.
The name Daphne was popularized by the Roman poet Ovid in his work "Metamorphoses", where he retold the story of Daphne and Apollo. Since then, the name has been used in various cultures and languages around the world. It is often associated with grace, beauty, and timelessness due to its origins in Greek mythology.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Daphne. One famous example is Daphne Guinness, a British fashion icon known for her eccentric and avant-garde style. Another is Daphne du Maurier, an English author best known for her novel "Rebecca", which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Today, Daphne remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique yet timeless name for their daughters. Its meaning, "laurel," lends it a sense of elegance and achievement, while its origins in Greek mythology give it a mystical and romantic appeal.
The name Dafnee saw a peak in popularity between 2005 and 2008 with the highest number of births in 2008, after which it declined from 2009 onwards, with no recorded births between 2011 and 2017.