Ophelia: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: Ophelia is a character in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” first performed around 1600.

Ophelia Overview

Meaning

Help, aid, advantage

Gender

Girl

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word “ōphéleia” meaning “help”

Pronunciation

/oʊˈfiːliə/

Popularity

Ophelia is embraced in various countries, including the USA, the UK, and Australia. In 2023, Ophelia ranked #321 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Vintage, Aesthetic, Mythological

Associated Traits

Graceful, poetic, ethereal

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with literary elegance, particularly due to the character Ophelia in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Name Day

October 3rd (Italy)

Ophelia Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Ofelia, Ophélie, Ophelya, Ofilia, Ophilia, Ophellia, Opheliah

Common Nicknames

Opie, Lia, Fifi, Phee, Effie, Ollie

Diminutives

Ophie, Lia, Fee, Phel, Ophi

Famous People

Ophelia Lovibond
(British Actress)
Ophelia Benson
(American Author)
Ophelia Dahl
(British-American Activist)
Ophelia DeVore
(American Model)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Ophelia
("Hamlet," Play)
Ophelia
("Pan's Labyrinth," Film)
Ophelia Lovibond
("W1A," TV Series)
"Ophelia"
(Song by The Lumineers)
Ophelia Harkness
("How to Get Away with Murder," TV Series)

Places

Ophelia Community
(Virginia, USA)
Ophelia's Jump Productions
(California, USA)
Ophelia’s Restaurant and Inn
(Missouri, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Ophelia?

Ophelia means “help” or “helper.” It brings to mind someone who is caring and supportive.

What Is the Origin of The Name Ophelia?

Ophelia comes from the Greek word “ōphéleia,” which means “help.” The name gained popularity from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.”

Ophelia Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Ophelia in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#3212021	#2722022	#2672023
Top 3 Rankings	#2301882	#2331880	#2411883

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Ophelia

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	267 (+5 from 2022)	1166 (+2 from 2022)	0.06666
2022	272 (+49 from 2021)	1164 (+153 from 2021)	0.06492
2021	321 (+70 from 2020)	1011 (+217 from 2020)	0.05643
2020	391 (-6 from 2019)	794 (-19 from 2019)	0.04492
2019	385 (-12 from 2018)	813 (-26 from 2018)	0.04431
2018	373 (+44 from 2017)	839 (+75 from 2017)	0.04512
2017	417 (+165 from 2016)	764 (+232 from 2016)	0.04044
2016	582 (+395 from 2015)	532 (+256 from 2015)	0.02748
2015	977 (+143 from 2014)	276 (+50 from 2014)	0.01415
2014	1120 (+157 from 2013)	226 (+41 from 2013)	0.01155
2013	1277 (+289 from 2012)	185 (+46 from 2012)	0.00960
2012	1566 (+273 from 2011)	139 (+30 from 2011)	0.00717
2011	1839 (+219 from 2010)	109 (+13 from 2010)	0.00563
2010	2058 (+427 from 2009)	96 (+20 from 2009)	0.00490
2009	2485 (-443 from 2008)	76 (-25 from 2008)	0.00375
2008	2042 (+708 from 2007)	101 (+35 from 2007)	0.00485
2007	2750 (+663 from 2006)	66 (+19 from 2006)	0.00312
2006	3413 (+47 from 2005)	47 (+4 from 2005)	0.00225
2005	3460 (+711 from 2004)	43 (+10 from 2004)	0.00212
2004	4171 (-440 from 2003)	33 (-4 from 2003)	0.00164
2003	3731 (+247 from 2002)	37 (+5 from 2002)	0.00184
2002	3978 (+2089 from 2001)	32 (+14 from 2001)	0.00162
2001	6067 (-755 from 2000)	18 (-3 from 2000)	0.00091
2000	5312 (-1111 from 1999)	21 (-6 from 1999)	0.00105
1999	4201 (-178 from 1998)	27 (-1 from 1998)	0.00139
1998	4023 (+216 from 1997)	28 (+3 from 1997)	0.00144
1997	4239 (-516 from 1996)	25 (-4 from 1996)	0.00131
1996	3723 (+795 from 1995)	29 (+7 from 1995)	0.00151
1995	4518 (-626 from 1994)	22 (-5 from 1994)	0.00114
1994	3892 (+96 from 1993)	27 (+1 from 1993)	0.00139
1993	3988 (+1496 from 1992)	26 (+9 from 1992)	0.00132
1992	5484 (-1276 from 1991)	17 (-7 from 1991)	0.00085
1991	4208 (-394 from 1990)	24 (-3 from 1990)	0.00118
1990	3814 (+855 from 1989)	27 (+8 from 1989)	0.00131
1989	4669 (-498 from 1988)	19 (-2 from 1988)	0.00095
1988	4171 (-646 from 1987)	21 (-4 from 1987)	0.00109
1987	3525 (-1260 from 1986)	25 (-20 from 1986)	0.00133
1986	2265 (+438 from 1985)	45 (+10 from 1985)	0.00244
1985	2703 (+212 from 1984)	35 (+5 from 1984)	0.00190
1984	2915 (+425 from 1983)	30 (+6 from 1983)	0.00166
1983	3340 (-694 from 1982)	24 (-11 from 1982)	0.00134
1982	2646 (+11 from 1981)	35 (+1 from 1981)	0.00193
1981	2657 (+478 from 1980)	34 (+7 from 1980)	0.00190
1980	3135 (-611 from 1979)	27 (-9 from 1979)	0.00152
1979	2524 (-51 from 1978)	36 (+1 from 1978)	0.00209
1978	2473 (+131 from 1977)	35 (+3 from 1977)	0.00213
1977	2604 (-313 from 1976)	32 (-4 from 1976)	0.00195
1976	2291 (-95 from 1975)	36 (-2 from 1975)	0.00229
1975	2196 (+237 from 1974)	38 (+7 from 1974)	0.00243
1974	2433 (-548 from 1973)	31 (-13 from 1973)	0.00198
1973	1885 (-278 from 1972)	44 (-12 from 1972)	0.00283
1972	1607 (+499 from 1971)	56 (+17 from 1971)	0.00347
1971	2106 (-304 from 1970)	39 (-10 from 1970)	0.00223
1970	1802 (-193 from 1969)	49 (-6 from 1969)	0.00267
1969	1609 (-34 from 1968)	55 (+2 from 1968)	0.00312
1968	1575 (-69 from 1967)	53 (-2 from 1967)	0.00310
1967	1506 (-171 from 1966)	55 (-11 from 1966)	0.00320
1966	1335 (+2 from 1965)	66 (-1 from 1965)	0.00376
1965	1337 (-18 from 1964)	67 (-5 from 1964)	0.00367
1964	1319 (-49 from 1963)	72 (-3 from 1963)	0.00368
1963	1270 (-93 from 1962)	75 (-12 from 1962)	0.00377
1962	1177 (+7 from 1961)	87 No change from 1961	0.00429
1961	1184 (-125 from 1960)	87 (-16 from 1960)	0.00419
1960	1059 (-22 from 1959)	103 (-2 from 1959)	0.00495
1959	1037 (-154 from 1958)	105 (-28 from 1958)	0.00505
1958	883 (+3 from 1957)	133 (+1 from 1957)	0.00644
1957	886 (+22 from 1956)	132 (+10 from 1956)	0.00629
1956	908 (+24 from 1955)	122 (+11 from 1955)	0.00592
1955	932 (-196 from 1954)	111 (-47 from 1954)	0.00554
1954	736 (-17 from 1953)	158 (-1 from 1953)	0.00794
1953	719 (+56 from 1952)	159 (+26 from 1952)	0.00824
1952	775 (-94 from 1951)	133 (-31 from 1951)	0.00699
1951	681 (-31 from 1950)	164 (-8 from 1950)	0.00888
1950	650 (+69 from 1949)	172 (+33 from 1949)	0.00978
1949	719 (-14 from 1948)	139 (-2 from 1948)	0.00792
1948	705 (-4 from 1947)	141 (-5 from 1947)	0.00809
1947	701 (+65 from 1946)	146 (+31 from 1946)	0.00803
1946	766 (-86 from 1945)	115 (-4 from 1945)	0.00713
1945	680 (-60 from 1944)	119 (-21 from 1944)	0.00884
1944	620 (-34 from 1943)	140 (-25 from 1943)	0.01024
1943	586 (+30 from 1942)	165 (+18 from 1942)	0.01150
1942	616 No change from 1941	147 (+16 from 1941)	0.01057
1941	616 (-48 from 1940)	131 (-18 from 1940)	0.01051
1940	568 (-10 from 1939)	149 (+5 from 1939)	0.01261
1939	558 (-35 from 1938)	144 (-23 from 1938)	0.01270
1938	523 (-42 from 1937)	167 (-17 from 1937)	0.01463
1937	481 (+12 from 1936)	184 (+13 from 1936)	0.01670
1936	493 (-26 from 1935)	171 (-15 from 1935)	0.01587
1935	467 (-6 from 1934)	186 (-10 from 1934)	0.01711
1934	461 (-18 from 1933)	196 (-15 from 1933)	0.01811
1933	443 (-16 from 1932)	211 (-26 from 1932)	0.02017
1932	427 (+27 from 1931)	237 (+36 from 1931)	0.02142
1931	454 (-40 from 1930)	201 (-50 from 1930)	0.01821
1930	414 (+2 from 1929)	251 (-4 from 1929)	0.02152
1929	416 (-16 from 1928)	255 (-28 from 1928)	0.02203
1928	400 (-14 from 1927)	283 (-28 from 1927)	0.02367
1927	386 (-1 from 1926)	311 (-3 from 1926)	0.02515
1926	385 (-27 from 1925)	314 (-50 from 1925)	0.02552
1925	358 (+2 from 1924)	364 (+2 from 1924)	0.02882
1924	360 (+10 from 1923)	362 (+39 from 1923)	0.02794
1923	370 (-30 from 1922)	323 (-41 from 1922)	0.02579
1922	340 (+13 from 1921)	364 (+17 from 1921)	0.02918
1921	353 (-5 from 1920)	347 (-6 from 1920)	0.02712
1920	348 (+5 from 1919)	353 (+22 from 1919)	0.02838
1919	353 (+13 from 1918)	331 (+18 from 1918)	0.02818
1918	366 (+9 from 1917)	313 (+28 from 1917)	0.02603
1917	375 (+10 from 1916)	285 (+19 from 1916)	0.02536
1916	385 (-10 from 1915)	266 (+6 from 1915)	0.02450
1915	375 (-20 from 1914)	260 (+36 from 1914)	0.02539
1914	355 (-4 from 1913)	224 (+37 from 1913)	0.02812
1913	351 (-34 from 1912)	187 (-21 from 1912)	0.02855
1912	317 (+36 from 1911)	208 (+79 from 1911)	0.03545
1911	353 (-56 from 1910)	129 (-40 from 1910)	0.02920
1910	297 (-15 from 1909)	169 (+9 from 1909)	0.04028
1909	282 (+34 from 1908)	160 (+36 from 1908)	0.04347
1908	316 (-11 from 1907)	124 (-8 from 1907)	0.03498
1907	305 No change from 1906	132 (+12 from 1906)	0.03912
1906	305 (-6 from 1905)	120 (-5 from 1905)	0.03829
1905	299 (+9 from 1904)	125 (+16 from 1904)	0.04034
1904	308 (-23 from 1903)	109 (-13 from 1903)	0.03727
1903	285 (+34 from 1902)	122 (+27 from 1902)	0.04385
1902	319 (-17 from 1901)	95 (-4 from 1901)	0.03389
1901	302 (-35 from 1900)	99 (-51 from 1900)	0.03894
1900	267 (+3 from 1899)	150 (+38 from 1899)	0.04721
1899	270 (+45 from 1898)	112 (+13 from 1898)	0.04525
1898	315 (-37 from 1897)	99 (-4 from 1897)	0.03611
1897	278 (+48 from 1896)	103 (+24 from 1896)	0.04149
1896	326 (-23 from 1895)	79 (-12 from 1895)	0.03135
1895	303 (+15 from 1894)	91 (+14 from 1894)	0.03683
1894	318 (-38 from 1893)	77 (-12 from 1893)	0.03263
1893	280 (-16 from 1892)	89 (-12 from 1892)	0.03951
1892	264 (+7 from 1891)	101 (+18 from 1891)	0.04491
1891	271 (+41 from 1890)	83 (+18 from 1890)	0.04223
1890	312 (-37 from 1889)	65 (-10 from 1889)	0.03223
1889	275 (-20 from 1888)	75 (-6 from 1888)	0.03964
1888	255 (-4 from 1887)	81 (+11 from 1887)	0.04276
1887	251 (+18 from 1886)	70 (+10 from 1886)	0.04504
1886	269 (+6 from 1885)	60 (+9 from 1885)	0.03903
1885	275 (-28 from 1884)	51 (-10 from 1884)	0.03593
1884	247 (-6 from 1883)	61 (+6 from 1883)	0.04434
1883	241 (-11 from 1882)	55 (-1 from 1882)	0.04581
1882	230 (+71 from 1881)	56 (+29 from 1881)	0.04840
1881	301 (-68 from 1880)	27 (-17 from 1880)	0.02731
1880	233 First SSA data recorded	44 First SSA data recorded	0.04508

American States Popularity Rankings for Ophelia

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

#4742021

#4552022

#4502023

California (CA)

#4772021

#3202022

#3802023

Georgia (GA)

#5182021

#3792022

#2662023

North Carolina (NC)

#4222021

#3052022

#2862023

Louisiana (LA)

#4232021

#3282022

#3352023

Alabama (AL)

#8152021

#3012022

#3702023

Mississippi (MS)

#4162017

#5202021

#5272022

South Carolina (SC)

#3632021

#3632022

#3242023

Tennessee (TN)

#3062021

#2412022

#2302023

Florida (FL)

#4292021

#3812022

#3692023

Arkansas (AR)

#3112021

#1492022

#2152023

New York (NY)

#3792021

#3202022

#3552023

Virginia (VA)

#3532021

#3662022

#3112023

Illinois (IL)

#2262021

#2622022

#2422023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#2652021

#2922022

#3242023

Oklahoma (OK)

#2742021

#1802022

#1772023

Michigan (MI)

#1822021

#2342022

#1972023

Ohio (OH)

#2582021

#2462022

#2152023

Arizona (AZ)

#4272021

#2102022

#2142023

Colorado (CO)

#1872021

#1142022

#2122023

Kentucky (KY)

#3072021

#2922022

#1902023

Washington (WA)

#2122021

#2512022

#1782023

Indiana (IN)

#1832021

#1562022

#1252023

Missouri (MO)

#2822021

#2212022

#1832023

Wisconsin (WI)

#1892021

#1952022

#2142023

Minnesota (MN)

#2402021

#3402022

#2202023

Oregon (OR)

#2112021

#1492022

#732023

Massachusetts (MA)

#3312021

#3892022

#2922023

Iowa (IA)

#1402021

#2352022

#1962023

Kansas (KS)

#1482021

#2832022

#2832023

New Jersey (NJ)

#5852021

#5382022

#4372023

Utah (UT)

#2452021

#2472022

#1932023

New Mexico (NM)

#4592013

#2562020

#1082022

Maryland (MD)

#6302021

#4622022

#5012023

Nevada (NV)

#3352021

#2322022

#2242023

Idaho (ID)

#2682021

#1202022

#2152023

Nebraska (NE)

#1552021

#1282022

#1822023

Connecticut (CT)

#6172021

#3372022

#4032023

Maine (ME)

#1902021

#1322022

#1042023

Montana (MT)

#1852020

#1232022

#1162023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1252021

#1272022

#2672023

South Dakota (SD)

#2562019

#1552022

#1952023

West Virginia (WV)

#3072021

#2222022

#2532023

Vermont (VT)

#862019

#632020

North Dakota (ND)

#2532018

#1482023

Alaska (AK)

#2222015

#1822018

Rhode Island (RI)

#1042022

Hawaii (HI)

#1672021

Delaware (DE)

#2162021

Wyoming (WY)

#952022

Popularity Rankings for Ophelia in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#902020

#822021

#642022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#1772019

#1802020

#1162021

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#2022021

#2172022

#1502023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden

#1632022

#1642023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#2662021

#1832022

#3282023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#4422021

#2852022

#1972023

Popularity in Austria

Austria

#1992022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#2812021

#2092022

#2922023

Popularity in Germany

Germany

#2732020

#3282022

#2732023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland

#3262021

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#5982020

#7992021

#3542022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#7642021

#5592022

#6252023

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#7342014

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Ophelia a Name for Boys or Girls?

Commonly used for girls, Ophelia has a feminine charm that is widely recognized.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Ophelia

Ofelia
Ophélie
Ophelya
Ofilia
Ophilia
Ophellia
Opheliah

Opie
Meaning: Relaxed, weary
Origin: Italian, Hebrew, GreekLia
Fifi
Phee
Effie
Ollie

Ophie
Meaning: Relaxed, weary
Origin: Italian, Hebrew, GreekLia
Fee
Phel
Ophi

Ophelia in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Ophelia Lovibond (Actress, born 1986): A British actress featured in films such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" and TV series like "Elementary."
Ophelia Benson (Author, born 1947): An American author and blogger known for her work on atheism, secularism, and women's rights.
Ophelia Dahl (Activist, born 1964): A British-American social justice and health care advocate, co-founder of Partners In Health.
Ophelia DeVore (Model, 1922–2014): An American model and businesswoman who broke racial barriers in the modeling industry.
Ophelia Ford (Politician, born 1950): An American politician who served as a member of the Tennessee State Senate.
Ophelia Marie (Singer, born 1951): A Dominican singer celebrated for her contributions to Cadence-lypso music.

Ophelia ("Hamlet," 1603 Play): A tragic character who descends into madness and drowns in a stream.
Ophelia ("Pan's Labyrinth," 2006 Film): A young girl who escapes into a mythical world during the Spanish Civil War.
Ophelia Lovibond ("W1A," 2014 TV Series): Plays a quirky and enthusiastic assistant at the BBC.
"Ophelia" (2016 Song): A song by The Lumineers that explores themes of love and longing.
Ophelia Harkness ("How to Get Away with Murder," 2014 TV Series): The mother of the main character, Annalise Keating.
Ophelia Sarkissian ("Marvel Comics," 1969 Comic Series): Also known as Viper, she is a supervillain and adversary of various Marvel heroes.
"Ophelia" (2018 Novel): A retelling of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" from Ophelia's perspective.

Ophelia Village (Virginia, USA): A small village located in Northumberland County, Virginia.
Ophelia's Jump Productions (California, USA): A theatre company based in Claremont, known for producing contemporary plays and classic works.
Ophelia's Fish House (Alabama, USA): A popular seafood restaurant located in Orange Beach.
Ophelia’s Restaurant and Inn (Missouri, USA): A historic restaurant and inn located in Independence.
Ophelia Beach (Queensland, Australia): A coastal area near Mackay, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters.
Ophelia Parish (Louisiana, USA): An administrative region in the state of Louisiana.
Ophelia Natural Area (Oregon, USA): A protected area known for its unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Sibling Names for Ophelia

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Ophelia Also Like

Thank you for joining me in discovering the name Ophelia. Its elegance and charm are hard to match. If you’re curious about other names or have any questions, let’s keep the conversation going. Take care and happy naming!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Ophelia Name Meaning

Ophelia Overview

Ophelia Variations in Different Cultures

What Is the Meaning of Ophelia?

What Is the Origin of The Name Ophelia?

Ophelia Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Ophelia in the U.S. over the Years

American States Popularity Rankings for Ophelia

Texas (TX)

California (CA)

Georgia (GA)

North Carolina (NC)

Louisiana (LA)

Alabama (AL)

Mississippi (MS)

South Carolina (SC)

Tennessee (TN)

Florida (FL)

Arkansas (AR)

New York (NY)

Virginia (VA)

Illinois (IL)

Pennsylvania (PA)

Oklahoma (OK)

Michigan (MI)

Ohio (OH)

Arizona (AZ)

Colorado (CO)

Kentucky (KY)

Washington (WA)

Indiana (IN)

Missouri (MO)

Wisconsin (WI)

Minnesota (MN)

Oregon (OR)

Massachusetts (MA)

Iowa (IA)

Kansas (KS)

New Jersey (NJ)

Utah (UT)

New Mexico (NM)

Maryland (MD)

Nevada (NV)

Idaho (ID)

Nebraska (NE)

Connecticut (CT)

Maine (ME)

Montana (MT)

New Hampshire (NH)

South Dakota (SD)

West Virginia (WV)

Vermont (VT)

North Dakota (ND)

Alaska (AK)

Rhode Island (RI)

Hawaii (HI)

Delaware (DE)

Wyoming (WY)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Popularity in England and Wales

Popularity in Canada

Popularity in Sweden

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Popularity in Scotland

Popularity in Austria

Popularity in New Zealand

Popularity in Germany

Popularity in Iceland

Popularity in Switzerland

Popularity in Ireland

Popularity in Poland

Is Ophelia a Name for Boys or Girls?

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Ophelia

Ophelia in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Similar Names to Ophelia

Sibling Names for Ophelia

Parents Who Like the Name Ophelia Also Like

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