Daphne

The name Daphne comes from the Greek word for the laurel tree. In ancient Greek culture the laurel was a symbol of victory, honour and poetic inspiration, so the name carries a green, slightly poetic image rather than a literal plant sense alone.

As a given name Daphne feels classical and slightly mythic, while remaining approachable and gentle. It suggests natural grace and quiet strength, and sits comfortably with both vintage and more contemporary names such as Iris or Olive.

Daphne is best known from Greek mythology, where she appears as a nymph associated with the laurel tree. The myth connects her with themes of pursuit and transformation, and the laurel later became an emblem of poetic and military honour in classical culture. The name itself derives directly from the ancient Greek word for laurel.

As a personal name Daphne was used intermittently through the centuries but saw renewed interest in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onwards, in part due to the Victorian taste for classical and nature-inspired names. It gained steady use across the 20th century and enjoyed a modest revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries among parents seeking names that are classical yet not overused. The name has forms in several languages, including Dafne and Daphne, reflecting its wide cultural reach.