What does Daphne mean?
From Greek 'daphne' (δάφνη) meaning 'laurel, bay tree'. In myth the nymph Daphne was transformed into a laurel to escape Apollo.
What does Phoebe mean?
From the Greek Phoibe, “bright” or “radiant,” a name of the moon in myth.
Daphne vs Phoebe
Which is more popular?
Phoebe is more popular than Daphne today: about 1,885 US babies were given the name Phoebe in 2025, compared with 1,740 named Daphne.
| Daphne | Phoebe | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Laurel | Bright, radiant |
| Origin | greek | Greek |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | DAF-nee | FEE-bee |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1886 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2025 (1,740) | 2025 (1,885) |
| In 2025 | 1,740 | 1,885 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Daphne
Phoebe
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Daphne | Phoebe |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 7,562 | 8,928 |
| 2010s | 7,768 | 10,645 |
| 2000s | 5,126 | 8,085 |
| 1990s | 2,519 | 3,288 |
| 1980s | 2,699 | 1,123 |
| 1970s | 4,827 | 1,134 |
| 1960s | 6,933 | 1,064 |
| 1950s | 2,789 | 1,092 |
| 1940s | 1,321 | 1,230 |
| 1930s | 764 | 1,404 |
| 1920s | 1,057 | 1,851 |
| 1910s | 498 | 1,601 |
| 1900s | 162 | 719 |
| 1890s | 131 | 848 |
| 1880s | 26 | 646 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Daphne or Phoebe more popular?
Phoebe is more popular than Daphne today: about 1,885 US babies were given the name Phoebe in 2025, compared with 1,740 named Daphne.
What is the difference between Daphne and Phoebe?
Daphne means Laurel (greek origin), while Phoebe means Bright, radiant (Greek origin).
Which name is older, Daphne or Phoebe?
In US records, Daphne first appears in 1886 and Phoebe in 1880, so Phoebe has the longer recorded history.