It is said that the name Daffodil probably comes from Affodyle, an old English word meaning early-comer. Other names are daff-a-down-dilly, daffodilly and the Lent lily.

Some consider it unlucky to have daffodils in the house, for they hang their heads and bring tears and unhappiness.

This superstition may have come from the Story of Proserpina, told by Perdita in The Winter's Tale, who was captured while picking lilies and carried off by the Greek god Pluto. In her fear Proserpina dropped the lilies and they turned into daffodils as they touched the ground.