Growing Daphne: Care Tips for Fragrant Garden Shrubs

Daphne: A Complete Guide to the Name, Meaning, and Origins

Meaning and origin

Daphne is a feminine name from Ancient Greek Δάφνη (Daphnē), meaning “laurel” or “bay tree.” In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo; the laurel became his sacred symbol.

Historical usage

• Ancient Greece: mythic and poetic references (Homeric and later sources).
• Medieval to early modern Europe: rare; appeared mainly in classical literature and learned circles.
• 19th–20th centuries: revived in English and other European languages as interest in classical names