Ophelia

Updated: October 25, 2021 by MomsWhoThink Staff

The baby name Ophelia is most well known as the name of one of the main characters in the play “Hamlet.” It actually has must more historic roots than this, however, even dating back to ancient Greece. The name rose over 600 spots in the past 60 years, so it may eventually become one of the most popular names for girls.

Meaning of the name Ophelia:

Greek: helper

Origin of the name Ophelia:

Ophelia comes from the Greek word “ohelieia.” “Ohelieia” was in use in ancient Greece as a name for girls, but in the 1400s, the name found use again. Ophelia became the more modern version of the name in the poem “Arcadia,” and later, in the play “Hamlet” by Shakespeare.

Symbolism of the name Ophelia:

Ophelia means “helper” as it retains the same meaning of “Ohelieia.” This original Greek name meant “help” or “advantage.”

Style of the name Ophelia:

Classical

Gender of the name Ophelia:

Ophelia is a female baby name.

Pronunciation of the name Ophelia:

o-FEEL-ee-uh or o-FEEL-yah

Number of syllables in the name Ophelia:

Three or four depending on pronunciation

Emotion evoked from the name Ophelia:

The baby name Ophelia feels classic, vintage, and antique. Currently, it still retains a standing of a more unique name for girls.

Alternative spellings for the name Ophelia:

Ofeliah
Ofilia
Opheliah
Ophelya
Ophilia

Nicknames for the name Ophelia:

Oph
Felia
Effie
Fifi
Oh
Phelia

Popularity of the name Ophelia:

The name Ophelia was on the Social Security Index from 1900 to 1958, never finding its way to the top 200 list. In 2015, the name was put back on the top 1,000 list at number 979 overall. As of 2020, the name ranks at number 391 for girls.