Daphne is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #858 in 2011 with 42 recorded births. This places Daphne in the top 11% of ranked UK girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 390 births ranking #125. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 950.0%. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 7,650 girls born was named Daphne. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Daphne is a graceful Greek classic meaning laurel. It feels fresh, mythological, and stylishly vintage.
The name is deeply tied to Greek myth and later literary use, which gives it both beauty and story. Its modern revival has come from parents seeking names that are classical without being overused.