Origin and Meaning of Dauphine

The female counterpart of 'dauphin,' meaning 'a young prince' or 'heir apparent.'

Origin: French - Derived from the Old French word 'dauphin,' which comes from the Latin word 'delphinus,' meaning 'dolphin.' The name historically referred to the heir to the French throne, as the dolphin was used as the emblem of the region of Dauphiné in southeastern France.

• Dauphine was originally a title for the wife of the 'Dauphin,' or the heir to the French crown, and it was used from the 14th century onwards.
• The name is relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, but it has historical significance tied to French nobility and lineage.
• Notable bearers of the name include Marie Joséphine Louise de Savoie, known as Dauphine Marie Antoinette, the last Dauphine of France before the revolution.
• The name saw a slight increase in registration during the late 20th century but remains rare and has not reached widespread popularity.
• Variations of the name include Dauphin (masculine), deriving from the same historical roots and connections to French royalty.