Dafne

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAF-nee /ˈdæf.ni/High

Meaning: Laurel tree; from Greek daphne, the plant sacred to ApolloHigh

In 30 seconds: A variant spelling of Daphne, the Greek name for the laurel tree. In mythology, the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel to escape Apollo — a story that made the plant his sacred emblem forever after.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningLaurel tree; from Greek daphne, the plant sacred to Apollo

U.S. rank (2024)#876 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births307 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,284

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dafne is the Italian and Spanish spelling of the Greek name Daphne (daphnē), meaning laurel tree or laurel bush. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a naiad nymph who prayed to be transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's pursuit — the god thereafter wore a laurel wreath as a symbol of her memory.

Daphne has been used in English since at least the 16th century. The Dafne spelling appears predominantly in Italian- and Spanish-heritage families in the United States and has been recorded on U.S. charts in recent years. It reached #876 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? The Olympic laurel wreath descends directly from the myth of Daphne: Apollo declared the laurel his sacred tree after losing her, and victors were crowned with laurel in his honor at the Pythian Games.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Daphne — etymology and mythologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DaphneDafna

Nicknames

DaphDaf

Famous Bearers

★Daphne (mythological)
In Greek mythology, a naiad nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo, making the plant his sacred emblem.

If you like Dafne…

Daphne— the standard English spelling of the same name

Flora— Latin goddess-of-flowers name with the same botanical elegance

Ivy— plant name with the same mythological and botanical feel

Laurel— the very plant Daphne became — and a name in its own right

Calliope— Greek mythology name with the same classical, multi-syllable sound

Explore names like Dafne

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dafne mean?

Dafne means 'laurel tree,' from Greek daphne. In mythology, the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel to escape Apollo.

How do you pronounce Dafne?

It's said DAF-nee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dafne a boy or girl name?

Dafne is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Dafne?

Dafne ranked #876 for U.S. girls in 2024.