The vintage baby name inspired by Bridgerton that's making a comeback

Favourite TV shows, popular films, much-loved books, high-profile celebrities … When it comes to baby names, popular culture can prove a great source of inspiration.

No doubt inspired by Game of Thrones, a handful of baby girls named Daenerys started appearing in England and Wales for the first time in 2013.

Since David and Victoria Beckham chose it for their daughter in 2011, the name Harper has soared in popularity. A rare choice then, it is now the 22nd most popular name for newborn girls.

And baby naming expert Sophi Kihm, editor at Nameberry, predicts that last year's Taylor Swift album, The Life of a Showgirl, will see a rise in the names "Ophelia and Honey”, inspired by the songs.

With the first episodes of season 4 of the hit Netflix show Bridgerton available on the streaming platform from today, though, there’s only one baby name we’re interested in – Daphne.

The moniker has been rising in popularity since the Regency romp first aired in December 2020, and we can see why.

How popular is the name Daphne now?

Of Greek origin, the name Daphne means 'laurel tree' or 'bay tree', according to Nameberry. It was the name of the lead character in the first series of Bridgerton.

Played by actor Phoebe Dyvenor – the daughter of Corrie actress Sally Dyvenor – Daphne was the fourth child and oldest daughter of the Bridgerton family. Series one followed her romance and marriage to the aristocrat, Simon Basset the Duke of Hastings.

The trend for names with vintage appeal means Daphne has been slowly creeping up the baby name charts since around 2015, but after Bridgerton aired, interest seemed to spike.

Between 2020 and 2024, the name rose nearly 170 places in the most popular baby name charts, going from 320 to 150. In 2024, 338 baby girls were given the moniker in England and Wales.

It has the added bonus of being a great choice that’s well-liked, but not everyone in your child’s class will have.

According to historic records dating back to 1904, Daphne was at its most popular in the mid-1930s, when it ranked 54th among newborn girls in England and Wales.

More Bridgerton-inspired baby names

If you’re looking for more baby names with Bridgerton appeal, these are some of our favourites.

Posy

A new character for season 4, Posy, will debut alongside her sister Rosamund. She is the stepsister of this season’s lead character, Sophie.

Posy is a more unusual take on the trend for floral baby names. A name of British origin, it means a small bunch of flowers.

Eloise

Smart, independent and rebellious, unlike many of the characters in Bridgerton, Eloise has more on her mind than marrying an eligible bachelor. Appropriately then, the name, Eloise, which is of German origin, means ‘famous warrior’, according to naming site The Bump.

Penelope

Played by fan-favourite Nicola Coughlan, Penelope revealed herself as the gossip-loving Lady Whistledown in season 1.

The name Penelope, which can be shortened to Penny, has been in the top 100 baby names in England and Wales since 2014, but saw a rise in 2021, maybe thanks to Bridgerton. Now the 36th most popular girls’ name, it means weaver and is of Greek origin, per Nameberry.

Benedict

The second eldest Bridgerton brother, Benedict, is season 4’s leading man. He falls in love with the mysterious Lady in Silver at a masquerade ball, not realising she is a maid, Sophie Baek.

From Latin, Benedict means ‘blessed’, per The Bump. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most well-known bearers of the name, which can be shortened to Ben.

Anthony

The eldest Bridgerton sibling, played by Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, is back for season 4. Another boys’ name of Latin origin, Anthony means ‘priceless one’, ‘praiseworthy’ or ‘flourishing’ according to The Bump.