Daphne
Origin of the name Daphne:
Derived from the Greek daphne (a laurel or bay tree). The name is borne in Greek mythology by a nymph, the daughter of the river-god Peneus. She escaped from the attentions of Apollo by being transformed into a laurel tree.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the bookDoes Daphne sound...
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Reader Contributions
Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Daphne!
- Comments and insights on the name Daphne: | Edit
This name is absolutley beautiful and underused. This is my number one name for a baby girl.
- Personal experiences with the name Daphne: | Edit
In my experience as a Daphne: Lots of people think of it as French (when actually it's Greek) or comment that the name is pretty and old-fashioned. Also, up until the late 1990s I often had to repeat or spell the name, or clarify that I was not "Stephanie" or even "Cathy." But now more people recognize it. I credit Frasier and the Scooby Doo movie.
- Nicknames for Daphne: | Edit
Daph
Daphy- Meanings and history of the name Daphne: | Edit
Incredible smelling spring flower (a kind of laurel)
Daphne was a nymph who, when pursued by the amorous Apollo, turned into a laurel tree to escape him. Variations on the story are here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphne- Famous real-life people named Daphne: | Edit
Daphne du Maurier, English novelist
Daphne Zuniga, American actress, best known for her role as Jo in the 90s TV series "Melrose Place".- Daphne in song, story & screen: | Edit
Daphne Blake is the red-haired member of the "Scooby Doo" cartoon TV show.
Daphne Blake: Played by Sarah Michelle Gellar in the "Scooby-Doo" and "Scooby-Doo 2" films.
There is also a song called 'Daphne Descends' by The Smashing Pumpkins.
Daphne is Martin's British physical therapist in the 90s sitcom Frasier.
Daphne is a character on the TV show "Heroes," who has the ability of superhuman speed.
Daphne Bridgerton, heroine of regency romance novel "The Duke and I" by Julia Quinn
NameVoyager US Popularity of Daphne Over Time
NameMapper Current Popularity of Daphne by State
Global Popularity of the Name Daphne
- #90 in Canada (Quebec)
- #312 in Canada (British Columbia)
- #536 in United States
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