Ophelia: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced oh-FEEL-yuh · 3 syllables
Ophelia means “help”, from Greek.
Borrowed from Italian Ofelia, coined by the poet Jacopo Sannazaro in his poem Arcadia (1504), probably from the Ancient Greek (opheleia, “help, aid, succour”). The name was used by William Shakespeare for the daugher of Polonius and ill-fated love interest of Hamlet. The moon (of Uranus) is named after this character. Doublet of anopheles
- Meaning
- help
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- oh-FEEL-yuh
- US rank (2025)
- #264
- US babies a year
- about 1,153 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Rising, Literary
How popular is Ophelia?
Ophelia was the #264 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,183 babies. It’s rising: up 517% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #264 |
| England & Wales | #180 |
| Scotland | #765 |
| Ireland | #846 |
| France | #811 |
| Canada | #125 |
| Australia | #173 |
How old are people named Ophelia?
Half of US adults named Ophelia are older than 67; most are between 20 and 89. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Ophelia
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Ophelia
What does the name Ophelia mean?
Ophelia means “help”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Ophelia?
Ophelia is pronounced oh-FEEL-yuh.
How popular is the name Ophelia?
Ophelia was the #264 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,183 babies. It’s rising: up 517% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Ophelia?
Half of US adults named Ophelia are older than 67. Most are between 20 and 89.