What does daphne mean?
Daphne is primarily the name of a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Europe and Asia and celebrated above all for their powerful, sweet fragrance. Species such as Daphne odora and Daphne mezereum bear small clusters of pink, purple, or white blossoms, often appearing in late winter or early spring, which makes them treasured — if sometimes challenging — additions to temperate gardens. The name derives from the Greek word for the laurel tree, and it recalls the myth of the nymph Daphne, whom Apollo pursued until she was transformed into a laurel. That mythological resonance gives the word a poetic quality that persists in literature and in its continued use as a feminine given name. Whether describing a scented shrub, a figure of myth, or a person, daphne evokes beauty, transformation, and fleeting sweetness.
A fragrant flowering shrub of the genus Daphne (family Thymelaeaceae), with clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers.
"Winter daphne can perfume an entire garden on a mild February afternoon."
Botanical names of the genus are conventionally capitalized and italicized (Daphne), while common references to the shrubs are lowercase.
In Greek mythology, a naiad nymph who fled Apollo and was changed into a laurel tree.
"Apollo crowned his head with laurel in memory of the lost Daphne."
The standard English plural simply adds -s. When referring formally to multiple members of the genus, the italicized Latin plural Daphnes may be used in botanical writing.
"Both daphnes in the courtyard bloomed weeks earlier than usual this year."
When Apollo chased the nymph Daphne, her father turned her into a laurel tree — and the Greeks were so moved they named an entire genus of sweetly scented shrubs after her.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of daphne
The word comes from the ancient Greek Δάφνη (Dáphnē), meaning "laurel," transmitted into Latin and then into English, where it was applied by botanists as the scientific name for a genus of shrubs. Its most famous bearer is the mythological nymph Daphne, whose transformation into a laurel tree — recounted by Ovid in the Metamorphoses — cemented the association between the name and the laurel. Related forms from the same Greek root include the personal name Daphnis, known from Greek pastoral poetry.
How daphne is actually used
As a botanical name, "daphne" is used both generically for the shrub and formally as the capitalized genus name. In gardening contexts it carries connotations of luxury and difficulty, since many species are famously temperamental to grow despite their exquisite scent. As a personal name it remains in steady use in English-speaking countries.
Easily confused with daphne
The capitalized form is most often the female given name or the mythological nymph, while the lowercase form usually refers to the flowering shrub.