Find out how popular the first name Dafna has been for the last 38 years (from 1975 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine Hebrew name meaning "laurel" or "branch".
Based on the last 38 years of data, Dafna is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2012, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dafna.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 | 9 |
| 2009 | 0 | 5 |
| 2007 | 0 | 5 |
| 2006 | 0 | 7 |
| 2003 | 0 | 5 |
| 1991 | 0 | 5 |
| 1989 | 0 | 5 |
| 1982 | 0 | 5 |
| 1980 | 0 | 6 |
| 1975 | 0 | 7 |
The name Dafna is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "dafna," which means "laurel" or "bay tree" in the ancient Semitic language. This name has been in use since biblical times and is mentioned in the Old Testament as a symbol of victory and honor.
The earliest recorded use of the name Dafna dates back to the 7th century BCE, when it was mentioned in the Book of Lamentations, a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem. In this text, the name is used as a metaphor for the once-prosperous nation of Israel, which had fallen into ruin.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dafna. One of the earliest was Dafna bat Yitzhak (born around 1150 CE), a renowned Jewish poet and scholar from Spain during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Andalusia. Her works were widely celebrated for their lyrical beauty and philosophical depth.
Another notable figure was Dafna Armoni (1926-2022), an Israeli painter and sculptor whose works explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human form. Her vibrant and expressive artworks earned her international recognition and numerous accolades throughout her long career.
In the realm of politics, Dafna Kadury (born 1947) was a prominent Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) for several terms, representing the Labor Party. She was known for her advocacy of women's rights and social justice causes.
One of the most influential Dafnas of modern times was Dafna Meir (1976-2016), an Israeli mother of six who was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in her home in the West Bank settlement of Otniel. Her courageous response to the attack and her commitment to peaceful coexistence inspired many and became a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of violence.
Finally, in the field of literature, Dafna Izenberg (born 1948) is an Israeli novelist and playwright whose works explore themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human relationships. Her critically acclaimed novels, such as "Across the Lunchroom" and "The Translator's Bride," have earned her numerous awards and international recognition.
The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.
The history and meaning of the name Dafna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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