Daphné is the French form of Daphne, a name rooted in Greek mythology. The name ultimately derives from the Greek word δάφνη (daphnē), meaning "laurel." In myth, Daphne was a nymph or mortal woman, daughter of a river god, who was pursued by the god Apollo. To escape his advances, she prayed for help and was transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo, heartbroken, adopted the laurel as his sacred plant and thereafter wore a laurel wreath as a symbol of his love. This myth explains the laurel's association with victory and achievement in ancient Greek culture. Etymology and Origins Daphné is the French adaptation of the Greek name Daphne, following French phonetic and orthographic conventions (the accented é indicates the stress on the final syllable, as typical in French). The name's core meaning, “laurel,” is shared across many European forms. The laurel, an evergreen shrub, was highly symbolic in antiquity. At the Pythian Games held in Delphi in honor of Apollo, victors were crowned with laurel wreaths from the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly. This practice expanded to other competitions and military triumphs, making the laurel a lasting emblem of glory. Notable Bearers While Daphné is not as common in France as in English-speaking countries, it has been used sporadically since the 20th century. Notable bearers include French actress Daphné Chollet and model Daphné Self. The name is particularly charming in French for its literary and mythological resonance. Cultural Significance In Greece, the laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) is still called δάφνη, and the name endures in modern Greek as Dafni. In Hebrew, Dafna means “laurel,” and in Turkish it appears as Defne, reflecting the name's wide reach across cultures and languages. The legend of Daphne and Apollo has inspired countless works of art, from Ovid's Metamorphoses to paintings by Bernini and Poussin, underscoring the name's enduring cultural impact. Variants and Related Forms The French variant Daphnée adds an extra e for a more feminine spelling. Outside French, the name appears as Dafina in Macedonian, Dafne in Spanish, and the modern Greek Dafni, among others. Meaning: “Laurel” in Greek Origin: French form of the Greek mythological name Daphne Type: First name, feminine Usage: French-speaking countries