She’s a nymph and an animated sidekick. And these days, she’s surprisingly fashion forward, too.
Thanks to Natalie for suggesting Daphne as Name of the Day.
Daphne’s story is familiar to many. She’s a nymph pursued by the god Apollo. Desperate to escape, she prays to the gods – and is changed into a laurel tree, effectively thwarting her unwanted suitor but limiting Daphne’s career plans.
In the 1590s, Jacopo Peri composed Dafne, a sort of proto-opera wildly popular at the time. It was just the first of several adaptations of the myth. Richard Strauss also composed an opera based loosely on the story. His Daphne debuted in Dresden in 1938 and is performed regularly. Art depicting her transformation is plentiful.
Daphne was first used as a given name in the nineteenth century, before Strauss’ opera but long after her tale was familiar. She may have been rediscovered along with other Victorian botanical novelties. Besides the laurel tree connection, a type of flowering evergreen shrub found through Europe and Asia is known as the Daphne.
Today, Daphne probably brings to mind a trio of fictional characters:
- One of those pesky kids in the Scooby Doo franchise is crime solver Daphne Blake, a red-head with a penchant for purple fashions;
- On television favorite Frasier, Daphne Moon was the English live-in housekeeper/nurse and long-time love interest of Niles Crane;
- Most recently, Daphne Millbrook was one of television’s Heroes – a thief with superhuman speed. She eventually does the right thing, but dies as a result.
Daphne is also a sprightly little piece of music by jazz guitar great Django Reinhardt and the given name of Melrose Place alum, actress Daphne Zuniga.
She’s ranked in the US Top 1000 every year since 1939, and most years before that, too. But Daphne has never been a chart-topper. She peaked at #266 in 1962 and today stands at #585. That’s just over 500 new Daphnes in 2007 – about as common as Haven, Precious or Emery.
But unlike many uncommon names, there’s nothing strange about Daphne. She’s simply never been terribly popular. While her teasing nickname is built right in – daffy Daphne – it is a small defect.
For many parents, Daphne would hit exactly right the note – perfectly familiar, but rarely heard. She also feels like a good substitute for parents disappointed to learn that the once-undiscovered Chloe and Zoe are now chart-toppers.
And therein lies Daphne’s challenge. While she is rare today, she surfaces on message boards with predictable frequency. Along with Esme, she’s one that just might rise dramatically in the next decade or so.
But for now, Daphne is a great choice – mythological, botanical and nicely rare.
I like Daphne a lot – it has a lovely soft sound. The lack of nicknames is the only fault I can find with the name. It would be wonderful to come across a little Daphne.
Daphne is so upper class english! Not much spirit in her.
I love the name Daphne. It reminds me of the name Pemelope – Greek, but so quintessentially British. I know a couple of Daphne’s – both of them are around my age (17) and they wear the name very well. I agree with JNE – it would be good to see baby Daphne once in a while.
I like Daphne! It does make me think a bit of the quirky physical therapist on Frasier, but there’s nothing wrong with being quirky.
I adore Daphne. Really. I mean, I’d use her myself (Daphne means the same as my name so it’s rather honoring, in an odd way) But He sings “Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you” every time I bring Daphne up. *sigh* I don’t think she’s that bad, even but *gods* how I hate that song anymore. Scooby Doo permeates our lives. He’s the same age and I was 2 when it started. Neither of us can remember a life without Scooby Doo. And Josie loves it. We own all the cartoons & movies.
I think Daphne is lovely. Sweet, simple, and warm. I love her mythological link and her history, nevermind the Opera. I am a sucker for Opera names. I love their dramatic frill, generally. Her lack of nickname doesn’t bother me the slightest bit. So what? My sister & I are the only ones who go by nicknames in our friends circle, now that I think about it, Cecilia, Caroline, Sharin (yes), Florence, Susan, Nope, just us. Lola & Kitty (which is relatively new for her). So Daphne with no nickname would work. I think. Daphne’s aces, I so wish someone I knew would use it. I want a little Daphne in my life, somehow! (and I can’t do it myself). Maybe I should tell the boys?
Daphne is the only girl’s name we can agree on, other than Daria, which I’m not sold on. If we have a daughter, chances are she’ll be Daphne Margaret. I like the nickname Dav for Daphne. It’s spunky and cute, and I really like it, although I have to say, I like Sylvia better.
Daphne is awesome! Eric and I have it on our top 100 list. We are thinking Daphne Cassandra. We also like Daphne Jane and Daphne Margaret. Cassandra is after my little sister, Jane is after one of my aunts and Margaret is Eric’s grandmother’s name.
I love Scooby Doo so I never minded the references to it and Daphne and Fred were always my favorite characters, even if Daphne is a bit of a ditz sometimes.
lol coolteamblt, it’s funny we both mentioned Daphne Margaret.
I think it’s a great name. Girls should have beautiful, classic names instead of horrible, overused trendy ones.
I was ambivalent about Daphne until I first smelled a daphne flower. It’s a perfume that makes you stop in your tracks and say, “What on earth is that INCREDIBLE smell?” Once you smell it you will never forget it.
Daphne’s a terrific choice. A timeless name that wears equally well on a little girl and a woman. I really like it, and I think it’s much better than Daria. For my money, Sylvia is even prettier, one of my favorites.
I love Daphne, I think it’s super sweet, and warm and inviting. I know a cute little girl named Daffodil, with the nickname Dafne. I agree with Tau, the Daphne flower is probably one of the most gorgeous smells ever, rivaling my favorite scent ever-Lilacs. Great name!
Daphne is so light, friendly and well, smiley – you couldn’t not like her (please ignore the double negative!). It’s in the press in the UK today that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his wife are celebrating the arrival of their third daughter Petal Blossom Rainbow sister to Poppy Honey and Daisy Boo – I can’t help thinking that Daphne would have been a far nicer and lets face it, much less ridiculous option…
Blossom is just about ok and certainly fits with the fun sounding nature theme but I can’t get to grips with Petal and the whole combo of Petal Blossom Rainbow is way over the top! Sticking with their overtly floral theme, I would personally rename her something like:
Daphne Marguerite (inspired by Laney and Coolteamblt!)
Violet Aster (love this one!)
Hazel Jasmine
Lily Honeysuckle
Ivy Azalea
Flora Marigold
Camellia Wren
oh I just love Daphne! I’ve never met one, so that makes it even better. Daphne is on my medium length list, but I’ve often considered bumping her up. For some reason Daphne is always paired with Fiona in my mind, I think they’d make good sisters.
My name is Daphne Gayle. (obviously) I always hated my name when i was younger because of the teasing, but now I absolutely love it. I wouldn’t change my name for the world. Having the name Daphne makes me feel unique. It is a great name and the teasing is the least of your worries. I plan on naming my daughter Daphne someday. I have had numurous compliments on my name. It is a smart choice if you ask me.
my name is Daphne as well. I truly love my name and really grateful my mom picked it. When i was younger i kinda hated it only on account of the teasy from the television shows such as Scooby Doo and then worst of them all… daffy duck. Gawd how i loathed the nickname daffy duck. But now i love the name and i’m truly complimented by this site. I dont meet alot of Daphne’s in my life, especially with the same spelling. I like how its rare but somehow known by alot. Yes i do lack in nicknames such as daff, fifi, phia and sometimes daffodil but besides that i havent heard anything else for it. Anyways to cut things short. Anyone out there thinking of naming their child Daphne go for it. Many are complimented by a middle name. spread the love. spread the daphne. <3 =)
Pingback: Baby Name of the Day: Rachel « Appellation Mountain
Pingback: Sunday Summary: 4/3/11 | Appellation Mountain
Pingback: Baby Name of the Day: Ismay | Appellation Mountain
Pingback: Baby Name of the Day: Armistead | Appellation Mountain
Pingback: 12 Baby Name Predictions for 2012 | Appellation Mountain
Pingback: Baby Name of the Day: Eirene | Appellation Mountain