Ophelia
Ophelia is a girls' name of Greek origin meaning “Help, aid, or benefit.” It ranked #264 in the United States in 2025. Likely coined or popularized by Shakespeare for the tragic heroine in Hamlet (c.
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how do you pronounce Ophelia?
oh-FEEL-ee-uh
where does the name Ophelia come from?
Borrowed from Ofelia, a name coined in the 1504 poem Arcadia, probably from the Ancient Greek ὠφέλεια, help or benefit; Shakespeare did not invent it, but took it for Polonius's daughter in Hamlet.
1600), derived from Greek 'ophelos.' Despite its sorrowful literary associations, it has become a beloved romantic and gothic choice.
how popular is this name?
Ophelia has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 90 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 56. It peaked at #230 in 1882, and ranked #264 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #264 |
| 2024 | #259 |
| 2023 | #265 |
| 2022 | #271 |
| 2021 | #321 |
| 2020 | #391 |
| 2019 | #385 |
| 2018 | #373 |
| 2017 | #417 |
| 2016 | #582 |
| 1950 | #650 |
| 1940 | #568 |
| 1930 | #414 |
| 1920 | #348 |
| 1910 | #297 |
| 1900 | #267 |
| 1890 | #312 |
| 1882 | #230 |
| 1880 | #233 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ophelia fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Ophelia
A moon of Uranus is named after Shakespeare's Ophelia.
who are famous people named Ophelia?
- Ophelia Lovibond
what are the nicknames and variants of Ophelia?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Ophelia?
what names go well with Ophelia?
Sibling names that share Ophelia's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ophelia
What does the name Ophelia mean?
Ophelia means “Help, aid, or benefit”.
What is the origin of the name Ophelia?
Ophelia comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Ofelia.
How popular is the name Ophelia?
Ophelia ranked #264 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1882, at #230, and it has spent 90 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Ophelia a boy or girl name?
Ophelia is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Ophelia?
Ophelia is pronounced oh-FEEL-ee-uh, with 4 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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