Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dafne
GirlGreek, Spanish· “laurel”
- Meaning
- laurel
- Origin
- Greek, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- DAF-nee
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,047
- US babies 2025
- 237
- Best rank
- #873 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Dafne
Dafne is a Greek and Spanish name that means “laurel”.
Dafne is the Spanish and Italian form of Daphne, from the Greek word for the laurel tree. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph who, pursued by the god Apollo, was transformed into a laurel, which Apollo then made his sacred tree. The story inspired many artists, including Bernini in his sculpture Apollo and Daphne. The laurel became a symbol of victory and honor, used to crown poets and athletes. Dafne has a fresh, classical feel, and Daf is a playful nickname.
Popularity over time
Dafne first appears in US Social Security records in 1988. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 2001. Its best national rank was #873 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 309 babies. In 2025, 237 babies were named Dafne, and it ranked #1,047 nationally. That is 155% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,574 in 2000, #1,901 in 2010, and #1,047 in 2025. Of the 3,523 US girls named Dafne since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,139 babies. Since 2010, 2,125 more have been named Dafne.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ainara, Ayah, Alitzel, Reya, and Soraya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dafne ranked highest in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #453 | 17 |
| South Carolina | #529 | 9 |
| Maryland | #611 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #659 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #674 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Dafne is usually pronounced DAF-nee, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Dafne
A few middle names that flow with Dafne: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dafne
Similar names
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Lists that include Dafne
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dafne mean?
Dafne is a Greek and Spanish name that means “laurel”.
What is the origin of the name Dafne?
Dafne has Greek, Spanish, and Italian roots. Dafne is the Spanish and Italian form of Daphne, from the Greek word for the laurel tree.
Is Dafne a popular name?
Not especially. Dafne ranked #1,047 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dafne a boy or girl name?
Dafne is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Dafne?
Dafne is usually pronounced DAF-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings