What does Delphine mean?
Delphine is linked to the dolphin and to Delphi, seat of the ancient oracle.
What does Ines mean?
Inès is a French and Spanish form of Agnes, “pure” or “holy.”
Delphine vs Ines
Which is more popular?
Ines is more popular than Delphine today: about 213 US babies were given the name Ines in 2025, compared with 42 named Delphine.
| Delphine | Ines | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Dolphin; of Delphi | Pure, holy |
| Origin | French | French |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | del-FEEN | ee-NESS |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1883 |
| Peak year | 1958 (348) | 2025 (213) |
| In 2025 | 42 | 213 |
| Trend | Rising | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Delphine
Ines
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Delphine | Ines |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 261 | 890 |
| 2010s | 397 | 949 |
| 2000s | 154 | 761 |
| 1990s | 103 | 522 |
| 1980s | 141 | 335 |
| 1970s | 343 | 359 |
| 1960s | 987 | 379 |
| 1950s | 1,676 | 255 |
| 1940s | 1,005 | 217 |
| 1930s | 1,730 | 410 |
| 1920s | 2,080 | 761 |
| 1910s | 1,021 | 605 |
| 1900s | 287 | 186 |
| 1890s | 161 | 104 |
| 1880s | 102 | 18 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Delphine or Ines more popular?
Ines is more popular than Delphine today: about 213 US babies were given the name Ines in 2025, compared with 42 named Delphine.
What is the difference between Delphine and Ines?
Delphine means Dolphin; of Delphi (French origin), while Ines means Pure, holy (French origin).
Which name is older, Delphine or Ines?
In US records, Delphine first appears in 1880 and Ines in 1883, so Delphine has the longer recorded history.