Daphne

1. Daphne name meaning and origin

The name Daphne has its origins in Greek mythology, where it refers to a beautiful nymph pursued by the god Apollo. In Greek, "Daphne" (Δάφνη) means "laurel tree" or "bay tree." According to the myth, when Apollo pursued Daphne, she prayed to her father, the river god Peneus, for help, and he transformed her into a laurel tree to save her from Apollo's advances. The grieving Apollo made the laurel his sacred tree and wore a wreath of its leaves as a symbol of his love for Daphne.

Beyond its mythological significance, the name Daphne carries associations with beauty, transformation, and resilience. The laurel tree itself has been a symbol of victory, achievement, and honor throughout Western civilization, with laurel wreaths crowning victorious athletes and poets in ancient Greece. This connection lends the name a sense of triumph and artistic prestige.

Though Greek in origin, Daphne has maintained popularity across various cultures and time periods. It saw particular resurgence in the English-speaking world during the early 20th century and has experienced periodic revivals since. The name embodies both natural beauty and classical heritage, making it a timeless choice that balances tradition with elegance.

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2. Daphne name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Daphne

United States

United Kingdom

The name Daphne has Greek origins, deriving from the mythological nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit. While recorded in both the United States and United Kingdom, Daphne is predominantly given to females, though rare male usage has been documented in the US.

Daphne has experienced fluctuating popularity over the decades. After modest use in the early 20th century, it saw a decline in the mid-century before experiencing periodic revivals. The name gained renewed interest following pop culture appearances, including the character Daphne from "Scooby-Doo" and more recently from the Netflix series "Bridgerton." Its elegant sound and classical roots continue to attract parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name.

3. Variations and nicknames of Daphne

The name Daphne, originating from Greek mythology, has blossomed into various forms across different cultures and languages. In Greek, the original form Δάφνη (Dáfni) refers to the laurel tree, while Romance languages offer elegant adaptations such as Dafne (Italian and Spanish) and Daphné (French). Germanic languages contribute their own variations with Daphne remaining standard in English, while Slavic languages present Dafna as a common variant. Other cultural adaptations include Dafina (Hebrew), Defne (Turkish), and the more unusual Daphna or Dafina found in select Eastern European communities. The traditional Japanese transliteration, Dafunī, demonstrates how this classic name transcends alphabetic boundaries and finds expression globally.

Beyond formal variants, Daphne boasts an array of endearing nicknames that families and friends use to personalize this timeless name. Daph and Daphie stand as the most common diminutives, providing simple, affectionate alternatives. More playful options include Daffy, though some avoid this due to cartoon associations. Other sweet variations include Daphers, Dee, Fee, and Fifi for those seeking something distinctive. Some families opt for the nature-inspired nickname Laurel, connecting to the name's original meaning. For those with middle names or compound names involving Daphne, nicknames like D.D. or variations incorporating parts of both names often emerge organically. Whatever the variation, Daphne's adaptability across both formal variants and casual nicknames showcases the name's enduring popularity and cross-cultural appeal.

4. Best name combinations with Daphne

Middle names that pair well with Daphne:

Daphne Rose
Daphne Claire
Daphne Eloise
Daphne Juliet
Daphne Athena
Daphne Isabelle
Daphne Sophia
Daphne Aurora
Daphne Celeste
Daphne Vivienne
Daphne Ophelia
Daphne Genevieve
Daphne Seraphina
Daphne Alexandria
Daphne Evangeline
Daphne Helena
Daphne Florence
Daphne Josephine
Daphne Penelope
Daphne Theodora

Names that go well when Daphne is used as a middle name:

Eleanor Daphne
Violet Daphne
Olivia Daphne
Charlotte Daphne
Isabella Daphne
Amelia Daphne
Beatrice Daphne
Chloe Daphne
Lydia Daphne
Madeline Daphne
Sylvia Daphne
Aria Daphne
Georgiana Daphne
Victoria Daphne
Calliope Daphne
Lucille Daphne
Aurelia Daphne
Emmeline Daphne
Cordelia Daphne
Jessamine Daphne

5. Numerology of Daphne name

In Pythagorean numerology, the name "Daphne" carries specific numerical vibrations that influence various aspects of life.

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

4
D(4) + A(1) + P(7) + H(8) + N(5) + E(5) = 30 = 3+0 = 4

As a Destiny Number 4, Daphne embodies stability, practicality, and methodical energy. This suggests a life path focused on building solid foundations through disciplined work and reliability. In career matters, Daphne excels in environments requiring attention to detail, organization, and consistent effort. Professionally, fields like accounting, engineering, management, or any position requiring systematic approaches would be suitable. In relationships, Daphne offers loyalty and dependability, valuing honesty and straightforwardness from partners.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

1
Vowels: A(1) + E(5) = 6 = 1+5 = 6

With a Soul Urge Number 6, Daphne's inner desires center around harmony, nurturing, and responsibility. Deep down, she yearns to care for others and create balanced, loving environments. She finds fulfillment in roles that allow her to support, counsel, or protect others. In relationships, she is naturally giving, sometimes sacrificing her own needs for loved ones, and seeks partners who appreciate her nurturing qualities while contributing equally to building a harmonious home.

Personality Number:

7
Consonants: D(4) + P(7) + H(8) + N(5) = 24 = 2+4 = 6

With a Personality Number 6, Daphne presents herself as responsible, caring, and balanced to the outside world. People likely see her as someone who can be counted on, with natural nurturing abilities and a sense of fairness. This external energy attracts those seeking guidance, stability, and compassion. In professional settings, she's perceived as someone who takes her duties seriously and works to create harmony. This personality number complements her Soul Urge, suggesting authentic alignment between her inner desires and outer expression.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Daphne name in pop culture

Name

Description

Daphne Bridgerton

Main character in Netflix's regency drama series 'Bridgerton' and the Julia Quinn novel series of the same name

Daphne Blake

One of the core members of Mystery Inc. in the 'Scooby-Doo' animated franchise, known for her purple outfit and being prone to danger

Daphne du Maurier

British author known for novels like 'Rebecca' and 'The Birds', which were adapted into famous Alfred Hitchcock films

Daphne Moon

Character in the sitcom 'Frasier', portrayed by Jane Leeves, who worked as a physical therapist for Martin Crane

Daphne

Song by the British rock band Bee Gees, released in 1969 on their album 'Odessa'

7. Famous people named Daphne

Name

Description

Daphne du Maurier

British author known for gothic novels including 'Rebecca' and 'The Birds,' which was later adapted by Alfred Hitchcock

Daphne Zuniga

American actress known for her roles in 'Spaceballs,' 'Melrose Place,' and 'One Tree Hill'

Daphne Oz

American nutrition author, television host, and daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz; former co-host of the cooking talk show 'The Chew'

Daphne Rubin-Vega

Panamanian-American actress and singer best known for originating the role of Mimi Márquez in the Broadway musical 'Rent'

Daphne Maxwell Reid

American actress best known for replacing Janet Hubert-Whitten as Vivian Banks on the sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'

Daphne Groeneveld

Dutch fashion model who has worked with major brands like Dior, Tom Ford, and Miu Miu and has appeared on numerous magazine covers

Daphne Rose Kingma

American author known for her numerous books on love and relationships, including 'Coming Apart' and 'True Love'

Daphne Koller

Israeli-American computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded Coursera, a massive open online course platform

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Maltese journalist, writer, and anti-corruption activist known for her investigative reporting before her assassination in 2017

Daphne Park

British spy and diplomat who served as one of the most senior controllers in MI6, Britain's Secret Intelligence Service

8. Names similar to Daphne

Like Daphne ? What about:

Dasha

Cayden

Xanthe

Golden

Charlette

Bernice

Carter

Caden

Genya

Aiden

Camille

Nestor

Xenos

Ella

Declan

Bette

Campbell

Argus

Bella

Phoebe

Common sibling names

Sisters

Maia

Phoenix

Bella

Charlee

Elise

Xanthe

Iris

Carter

Phoebe

Ella

Thea

Gaia

Ainsley

Theia

Helen

Cynthia

Elaine

Camille

Selene

Darcy

Brothers

Hector

Titan

Atlas

Caiden

Damon

Ares

Cayden

Caleb

Caden

Aiden

Eli

Phoenix

Carter

Declan

Jason

Darcy

Bodie

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