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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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Ophelia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ophelia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ophelia Claire
French influence · crisp
Ophelia Jane
Literary · strong
Ophelia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ophelia right now?
Rising — up 7 spots — currently #265 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Ophelia by decade
| 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?
Famous people named Ophelia
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Ophelia (modern Greek athlete)
Ophelia brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Ophelia (Greek poet or artist)
Ophelia helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
O(
Ophelia (Byzantine leader)
Ophelia used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ophelia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ophelia also consider these
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.