Find out how popular the first name Daphine has been for the last 36 years (from 1975 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Daphine by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Daphine is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Daphine.

The history of the first name Daphine

The name Daphine has its origins in ancient Greek mythology and language. It is derived from the Greek word "daphne," which means laurel or bay tree. The laurel tree was sacred to the Greek god Apollo and held significant symbolism in ancient Greek culture.

In Greek mythology, Daphne was a beautiful Naiad nymph who was pursued by Apollo. To escape his advances, she pleaded with the gods for help, and they transformed her into a laurel tree. This myth is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the enduring nature of poetry and art, as the laurel became a symbol of poetic achievement and was used to crown victors in various competitions.

The name Daphine first appeared in written records during the classical period of ancient Greece. It was a popular name among the Greeks and was later adopted by the Romans, who spelled it as "Daphne." The earliest recorded example of the name Daphine can be found in the works of ancient Greek poets and playwrights, such as Ovid's "Metamorphoses," where the myth of Daphne is recounted.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Daphine or its variations. One of the most famous was Daphne, a 4th-century Christian martyr from Antioch who was tortured and killed for her faith. Another notable Daphne was Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989), a renowned British novelist and playwright best known for her works like "Rebecca" and "The Birds."

In the literary world, Daphine Merkin (born 1954) is an American novelist and critic who has written extensively on topics such as feminism and mental health. Daphine Bugey-Vereint (born 1942) is a Swiss politician and environmentalist who served as a member of the Swiss National Council.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Daphine in English literature can be found in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," where he mentions the "daphne" tree in reference to the Greek myth.

While the name Daphine has Greek origins, it has been embraced and adapted by various cultures throughout history, reflecting the enduring appeal of its mythological roots and symbolic association with poetry, art, and nature.

Data source

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 Daphine was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Daphine, please contact us.

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