דפנה

Daphne is a beautiful and ancient Hebrew feminine name, drawn from the world of flora and nature. The name refers to the aromatic laurel tree (Laurus nobilis), known for its glossy green leaves and distinctive fragrance. In Biblical Hebrew, the laurel tree is called "er" or "er atzil" (noble laurel), symbolizing splendor, majesty, and glory. Laurel leaves have been used for thousands of years as a central spice in Mediterranean cuisine, as well as for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The name Daphne conveys delicate feminine grace, a deep connection to nature, and a sense of eternity and evergreen vitality. The mythological roots of the name Daphne are profound and fascinating. According to Greek mythology, Daphne was a beautiful nymph, daughter of the river god Peneus. The god Apollo, deity of the sun, music, and prophecy, fell deeply in love with her because of her extraordinary beauty. However, Daphne, who wished to preserve her purity and independence, fled from him. When Apollo pursued her and was about to catch her, Daphne pleaded with her father to save her. Her father answered her prayer and transformed her into a laurel tree. Apollo, unable to forget his love, crowned his head with laurel leaves and made the tree sacred to him. Since then, the laurel wreath became a symbol of victory, success, and honor. In ancient Greco-Roman culture, poets, heroes, and victors were crowned with laurel wreaths, a tradition that survives to this day in expressions like "winning laurels" or the term "laureate" in English. In modern Hebrew culture, the name Daphne gained significant popularity from the early 20th century, especially among families seeking an original Hebrew name connected to nature and the Israeli landscape. The laurel tree grows naturally in Israel, particularly in the Galilee and Carmel regions, and is an integral part of Mediterranean vegetation. The name conveys lightness and delicacy while carrying meanings of resilience, eternal beauty, and connection to roots. Women bearing the name Daphne are often perceived as having a gentle yet strong personality, with a developed aesthetic sense and a deep connection to nature and traditional values. The name combines feminine softness with inner strength, similar to the laurel tree itself - delicate in appearance but strong and resilient in essence.

דַּפְנָה

Daphne | Dafna | Daphna

Girl

Yes

In Kabbalah, the laurel plant symbolizes the connection between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The evergreen leaves represent eternal life and constant renewal. The laurel is considered a plant that awakens spiritual inspiration and protects against negative forces. The name Daphne carries energy of spiritual growth, protection, and the soul's continuous flourishing.

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Daphne Zuniga - American actress | Daphne du Maurier - British author | Daphne Guinness - British heiress and fashion icon | Daphne Oz - American television host and author | Daphne Maxwell Reid - American actress

דליה | דקלה | ערבה | תמר | אלה | רותם | שקד | ליאת

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