MallowbyNames

Dafina

dah-FEE-nah · Treasure, hidden wealth

Peak popularity
1974
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Dafina since 1973

Babies named Dafina per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4812198020002020Most births 1974Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s40
1980s21
1990s15
2000s37
2010s15
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Dafina carries the resonant meaning of 'treasure' in Albanian, a name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1973 and reached its peak popularity in 1974. It has remained very rare, with no births recorded in recent decades. The name was not among the top ranks in any state and does not appear on the Social Security Administration's popularity lists. Its trajectory has been stable, reflecting its status as a cultural gem rather than a mainstream choice. For families seeking a distinctive name with deep Balkan roots, Dafina offers a connection to Albanian heritage and a meaning of intrinsic worth.

Dafina derives from the Albanian word 'dafinë,' meaning 'treasure' or 'hidden riches,' ultimately from the Ottoman Turkish 'defîne,' which itself is a borrowing from Arabic 'dafīnah' (buried treasure). The name has been used in Albanian-speaking regions since at least the early 20th century, particularly in Kosovo and North Macedonia. Its use in the United States remains rare, with recorded births beginning in the 1970s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Dafi, Fina

Variants: Defina

Sibling names for Dafina

Names that share Dafina's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Dafina, our favorite little girl.

D is for Dafina…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Dafina's letter becomes Dafina's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Dafina's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Dafina mean?
Dafina means 'treasure' or 'hidden wealth' in Albanian.
How popular is Dafina?
Dafina is very rare in the United States. It first appeared in 1973 and peaked in 1974, with no recent rank data.
Is Dafina a boy or girl name?
Dafina is almost exclusively used for girls.