Rising since 1995, #4,265 for girls today.
Popularity of Defne since 1993
Babies named Defne per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 152 |
| 2010s | 316 |
| 2020s | 165 |
Meaning & origin
Defne, the Turkish form of Daphne, entered the US naming scene in 1993, first recorded that year. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1995, peaking in 2017. While still uncommon overall, with a 2025 rank of 4,265 and a 1-in-48,705 birth rate, it has found a niche among families with Turkish heritage and those seeking a fresh alternative to Daphne. The name has been most frequently given in California, reflecting the state's diverse population. Defne's botanical meaning and mythological roots give it a natural elegance that appeals to parents looking for a name with both cultural depth and modern simplicity.
Defne is the Turkish form of Daphne, which derives from Greek δάφνη (daphnē) meaning 'laurel' or 'bay tree'. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. The name entered Turkish usage in the late 20th century and has become increasingly popular in Turkey.
Where Defne is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Defne” around the world
Where Defne lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Defi, Defo
Variants: Daphne
Sibling names for Defne
Names that share Defne's style, for a brother or sister.
