Daphne

Daphne has been around on the American female naming charts since the late 1800s. At the turn of the 20th century, this was a name rarely used – enough to make the charts, but at very low levels of popularity it was hardly detectable. As the decades progressed into the last century, Daphne grew discreetly. The height of this name’s popularity came in the 1960s, but still she was on the lower end of moderation. In fact, the highest spot she’s ever achieved on the charts was at position #266 (1962) which makes her a pretty uncommon choice overall. Since we’ve entered the 21st century, Daphne is showing some promise (she’s advanced almost 200 positions up the charts in a little over 10 years), but, alas, the name is still scarcely used. This is simply baffling. Daphne is underused and neglected in our opinion, but all the better for parents who abhor overly trendy names. In reference to “fun” pop-trivia, Daphne Blake is the pretty, wealthy, danger-prone, red-headed fashionista in the Scooby-Doo cartoons. And Daphne Moon is the quirky, sarcastic live-in housekeeper on the popular “Frasier” sitcom. In 1938 the opera “Daphne” composed by Richard Strauss was first performed. Another opera called “Daphne” performed in 1598 (for which the score does not survive) is widely considered the very first opera ever composed. The name Daphne has ancient roots, mythological mystique, victorious meaning, operatic glory, and timeless beauty. What’s NOT to like about this name???