Dafni is a Greek feminine given name of unknown etymology. It is not found in any ancient or medieval sources and its origin remains unclear. Some theories suggest that Dafni may be derived from the Greek word "dafnis," which means "laurel" or "bay leaf." However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
The name Dafni first appeared in Greece during the 19th century and gained popularity among the Greek Orthodox community. It has since become a popular choice for girls in Greece and other countries with significant Greek populations, such as Cyprus and Australia.
Despite its uncertain origin, Dafni has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Dafni, a martyr from the 4th century who was tortured and executed for her Christian faith during the reign of Diocletian. Although there is no evidence that Saint Dafni was actually named Dafni at birth, she is often referred to by this name in Greek Orthodox tradition.
In literature, Dafni also appears as a character in "Daphnis and Chloe," an ancient Greek novel believed to have been written by Longus during the 2nd century AD. The story follows the romantic exploits of two young shepherds named Daphnis and Chloe, who fall in love while tending their flocks on the island of Lesbos.
Today, Dafni remains a popular given name among Greeks and other communities around the world. While its exact origin may never be known, it continues to be associated with beauty, grace, and strength, both by those who bear the name and by those who admire them.
"Dafni saw a gap of 14 years between its first and most recent recorded birth."