Defne

Meaning of Defne

Defne is the Turkish adaptation of the classical Greek name Daphne, literally translating to “laurel” and historically linked to the laurel wreath as an emblem of victory and distinction; this botanical association has endowed the name with an enduring resonance in both literary and ceremonial traditions. In the context of United States naming trends, Social Security Administration data reveal that Defne has occupied a peripheral yet persistent position, with annual occurrences ranging from a low of 15 in 2008 (rank 974) to a peak of 51 in 2017 (rank 908), and most recently registering 33 instances in 2024 (rank 917). Such fluctuations, while modest, suggest a stable undercurrent of interest among parents drawn to its phonetic clarity—DEF-nay—and its cross-cultural provenance. When examined alongside its etymological pedigree, the steady presence of Defne in contemporary birth records underscores a synthesis of classical gravitas and modern distinctiveness, characteristics likely to appeal to those seeking a name that bridges Anglo-American sensibilities with broader historical and linguistic heritage.

Pronunciation

Turkish

• Pronunced as DEF-nay (/dɛfˈneɪ/)

• Daphne
• Devyn
• Delphine
• Dafna
• Deveney
• Davena