Wishes
Daughters Day Quotes
National Daughters Day falls on September 25 every year, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the girls and women who bring so much joy to our lives. Whether you are writing a heartfelt card, sending a quick text, or posting a tribute on social media, finding the right words can sometimes be a challenge.
To help you express your love and pride, we have curated a collection of real, verified Daughters Day quotes from classic literature, historical figures, and scripture. From short and sweet sentiments to inspiring words of wisdom, these timeless quotes are perfect for honoring your daughter on her special day.
Short quotes 8
The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and the care for her taketh away sleep.
– Ecclesiasticus 42:9 (KJV Apocrypha)
Naught is there more sweet unto an aged sire than a daughter's love; our sons are made of sterner stuff, but less winning are their caresses.
– Euripides, The Suppliants (tr. E. P. Coleridge)
My son is my son till he have got him a wife, but my daughter's my daughter all the days of her life.
– Traditional English proverb
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
– Proverbs 31:29 (KJV)
The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
– Psalm 45:13 (KJV)
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
– Luke 8:48 (KJV)
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
– Proverbs 31:25 (KJV)
I have done nothing but in care of thee, / Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter.
– William Shakespeare, The Tempest
Classic quotes 11
Where shall we see a better daughter, or a kinder sister, or a truer friend?
– Jane Austen, Emma
Elinor, this eldest daughter, whose advice was so effectual, possessed a strength of understanding, and coolness of judgment, which qualified her, though only nineteen, to be the counsellor of her mother.
– Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
I love your daughter fondly, dearly, disinterestedly, devotedly. If ever there were love in the world, I love her.
– Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
I can be President of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both.
– Theodore Roosevelt, as recalled by Owen Wister
As long as a woman can look ten years younger than her own daughter, she is perfectly satisfied.
– Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least; / Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sounds / Reverb no hollowness.
– William Shakespeare, King Lear
He says he loves my daughter. / I think so too; for never gaz'd the moon / Upon the water as he'll stand and read, / As 'twere, my daughter's eyes.
– William Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale
Balt Van Tassel was an easy indulgent soul; he loved his daughter better even than his pipe, and, like a reasonable man and an excellent father, let her have her way in everything.
– Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
I have you fast in my fortress, / And will not let you depart, / But put you down into the dungeon / In the round-tower of my heart.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Children's Hour
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra, / And Edith with golden hair.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Children's Hour
Come, let's away to prison: / We two alone will sing like birds i' the cage: / When thou dost ask me blessing I'll kneel down / And ask of thee forgiveness.
– William Shakespeare, King Lear
Inspiring quotes 8
You wrote with no thought of fame or money, and put your heart into it, my daughter; you have had the bitter, now comes the sweet.
– Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
For the time had come when they could talk together not only as father and daughter, but as man and woman, able and glad to serve each other with mutual sympathy as well as mutual love.
– Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one.
– Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
The higher life begins for us, my daughter, when we renounce our own will to bow before a Divine law.
– George Eliot, Romola
The acquirements which I hope you will make under the tutors I have provided for you will render you more worthy of my love, and if they cannot increase it they will prevent it's diminution.
– Thomas Jefferson, letter to his daughter Martha (1783)
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.
– Psalm 144:12 (KJV)
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
– 2 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)
I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send.
– Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
How to Write Your Own Daughters Day Message
While a classic quote adds a beautiful touch to any card, pairing it with your own personal message makes it truly special. Writing a heartfelt note to your daughter does not have to be complicated. By following a simple formula, you can craft a message that is both meaningful and memorable.
A Simple Formula for Daughters Day Wishes
If you are staring at a blank card and wondering where to begin, try this easy three-step approach:
- The Anchor: Start by stating the occasion and expressing your love.
- The Detail: Mention a specific quality you admire about her or a cherished recent memory.
- The Hope: Close with a warm wish for her future or the year ahead.
Worked Examples
Here is how that formula looks in practice for different ages and stages of life:
For a Young Daughter
Happy National Daughters Day to my favorite girl! I am so proud of how kind and helpful you have been to your little brother lately. I hope you never lose your sweet, generous heart.
For a Teenage Daughter
Happy Daughters Day! Watching you dedicate yourself to your studies and your art this year has been incredibly inspiring. I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish next.
For an Adult Daughter
Wishing you a wonderful Daughters Day. You have grown into such a strong, compassionate woman, and I admire the way you balance your career and your family. May this year bring you as much joy as you bring to everyone around you.
Etiquette and Timing
When it comes to National Daughters Day, the rules of etiquette are relaxed and focused entirely on making your daughter feel loved and appreciated.
When to Send Your Message
National Daughters Day is celebrated annually on September 25. It is best to send your message on the day itself. If you are mailing a physical card, drop it in the mail a few days prior so it arrives on or just before the 25th. For texts, emails, or social media posts, sending your message in the morning ensures she starts her day feeling celebrated.
What to Avoid
While you want your message to be personal, there are a few things you should generally steer clear of:
- Unsolicited Advice: Save the life lessons for another time. Today is about celebrating who she is right now.
- Comparisons: Avoid comparing her to her siblings or to yourself at her age. Let her shine on her own merits.
- Guilt Trips: Do not use the occasion to mention that she has not called or visited recently. Keep the tone entirely positive.
Examples by Medium
Depending on how you choose to deliver your message, the tone and length will naturally vary. Here are a few examples tailored to different mediums.
For a Greeting Card
Happy National Daughters Day! From the moment you were born, you have brought so much light into our lives. I am endlessly proud of the woman you are becoming. Enjoy your special day!
For a Text Message
Happy Daughters Day! So lucky to have a daughter as amazing as you. Hope you have a fantastic day! Love you!
For an Email
Dear [Name], I wanted to send a quick note to wish you a Happy National Daughters Day. I was just thinking about our family trip last summer and smiling. I am so proud of everything you do. Let's catch up on the phone soon. Love always.
For Social Media
Happy National Daughters Day to the girl who made me a parent! Watching you grow has been the greatest adventure of my life. #NationalDaughtersDay #ProudParent
Choosing the Right Quote
When selecting a quote from our list above, consider your daughter's personality and your relationship with her. A short, witty quote from Oscar Wilde or Theodore Roosevelt might be perfect for a daughter with a great sense of humor. If you want to impart a little wisdom, the inspiring words of Louisa May Alcott or George Eliot are excellent choices. For a more traditional or religious family, a verse from the Book of Proverbs or Psalms adds a beautiful, grounding touch.
Where these quotes come from
Every quote on this page was checked against the place it first appeared: the book, poem, play, speech, letter or, for scripture, the King James Version text. Euripides is quoted in E. P. Coleridge's translation. Wording, spelling and punctuation follow those sources, so older spellings such as "labour" or "honour" are left as printed.
We left out popular lines that circulate on quote sites but cannot be traced to anything the person actually wrote or said, such as the "finish every day and be done with it" passage credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson, which stitches together phrases from different writings and does not appear in that form in his letter to his daughter. If a quote matters for a speech, a program or a printed card, the author line under each quote tells you which work to look it up in.
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Frequently asked questions
When is National Daughters Day?
National Daughters Day is celebrated every year on September 25 in the United States. It is a dedicated day for parents to honor and celebrate their daughters.
What should I write in a Daughters Day card?
Start with a warm greeting and express your love and pride. Mention a specific quality you admire about her or a favorite memory, and close with a positive wish for her future. Pairing your personal words with a classic quote is also a great touch.
Is National Daughters Day a real holiday?
While it is not a federal or public holiday where businesses close, it is a widely recognized observance. Millions of Americans celebrate it every year by sending cards, giving gifts, and posting tributes on social media.
Can I celebrate my daughter-in-law on Daughters Day?
Absolutely. Many people use the occasion to celebrate their daughters-in-law, stepdaughters, and other important female figures in their lives. A simple message welcoming her as a cherished part of the family is always appreciated.
How is Daughters Day different from International Day of the Girl?
National Daughters Day focuses specifically on the familial bond between parents and their daughters, and is celebrated in the US on September 25. International Day of the Girl Child is a United Nations observance on October 11 focused on promoting girls' rights and highlighting gender inequalities worldwide.
Do fathers and mothers celebrate Daughters Day differently?
Both mothers and fathers celebrate the day by expressing their love and pride. While a mother might focus on their shared experiences and bond, a father might emphasize his protective love and admiration, but the core sentiment of appreciation remains the same for both.