Ophelia

“help”

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#265US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

↑Rising

20kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ophelia

uf·EE·lyuh

/əf.ˈiː.ljə/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“help”

Greek origin · Unisex name

What does Ophelia mean and where does it come from?

The name Ophelia comes from the Greek word 'ophelos', meaning 'help' or 'advantage'. It was famously used by Shakespeare in his play 'Hamlet', where Ophelia is a tragic character known for her beauty and madness. The name has a poetic and mystical quality and has been used in various literary works.

Cultural significance

Ophelia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #232 in 1882 — currently #265 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ophelia?

Ophelia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ophelia Grace

How popular is Ophelia right now?

Rising — up 7 spots — currently #265 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#265 · Top 0.20%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#265	1,176	▲ up 7 · +1% births
2022	#272	1,167	▲ up 49 · +15% births
2021	#321	1,013	▲ up 69 · +28% births
2020	#390	790	▲ up 586 · +186% births
2015	#976	276	▲ up 1081 · +188% births
2010	#2057	96	▲ up 1402 · +123% births
2005	#3459	43	▲ up 1852 · +105% births
2000	#5311	21	▼ down 794 · -5% births
1995	#4517	22	▼ down 705 · -19% births
1990	#3812	27	▼ down 1109 · -23% births
1985	#2703	35	▲ up 435 · +30% births
1980	#3138	27	▼ down 940 · -29% births
1975	#2198	38	▼ down 395 · -22% births
1970	#1803	49	▼ down 469 · -27% births
1965	#1334	67	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ophelia

Best Year2023Rank #265

Peak Count1,176

Average Rank#1402

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Ophelia

Ophelia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 19,997 babies have received this name. Ophelia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Ophelia in 1882:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Ophelia by decade

Ophelia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	580
1890s	899
1900s	1,236
1910s	2,377
1920s	3,286
1930s	1,947
1940s	1,392
1950s	1,389
1960s	720
1970s	396
1980s	294
1990s	252
2000s	474
2010s ★	3,965
2020s	790

What are good nicknames for Ophelia?

Common

OphElia

Famous people named Ophelia

Ophelia (modern Greek athlete)

Ophelia brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Ophelia (Greek poet or artist)

Ophelia helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Ophelia (Byzantine leader)

Ophelia used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Ophelia (Greek mythological figure)

Ophelia carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ophelia?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ophelia also consider these

Greek · Derived from the

Spain · gift from God

Obelia

English · God's promise

How is Ophelia written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Ophelia

What does the name Ophelia mean?

Ophelia means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Ophelia?

Ophelia is currently ranked #265 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ophelia have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Ophelia?

Ophelia originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Ophelia?

Ophelia is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 F IY1 L Y AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Ophelia?

Ophelia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.