Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Ophelia
GirlGreek· “help”
- Meaning
- help
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- oh-FEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #264
- US babies 2025
- 1,183
- Best rank
- #232 (1882)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Ophelia
Ophelia is a Greek name that means “help”.
Ophelia comes from the Greek ophelos, meaning help or benefit. The name was used by the Italian poet Jacopo Sannazaro in the fifteenth century, but it is best known from Shakespeare's Hamlet, where Ophelia is the tragic young woman loved by the prince. Her story inspired many paintings, including John Everett Millais's image of her floating among flowers. Despite that sad association, the name has returned as a romantic, vintage choice with literary depth. Lia, Effie and Phee are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Ophelia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 90 different years. Its best national rank was #232 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 1,223 were named Ophelia. In 2025, 1,183 babies were named Ophelia, and it ranked #264 nationally. That is 329% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #348 in 1920, #651 in 1950, #3,189 in 1980, #5,448 in 2000, #2,072 in 2010, and #264 in 2025. Of the 25,770 US girls named Ophelia since records began, 25% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,981 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Gia, Elaina, Amora, Talia, and Evie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ophelia ranked highest in Montana, Alaska, and Oregon.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ophelia is usually pronounced oh-FEEL-yuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with O and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Ophelia
A few middle names that flow with Ophelia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ophelia
Similar names
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Lists that include Ophelia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ophelia mean?
Ophelia is a Greek name that means “help”.
What is the origin of the name Ophelia?
Ophelia has Greek roots. Ophelia comes from the Greek ophelos, meaning help or benefit.
Is Ophelia a popular name?
Yes. Ophelia ranked #264 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ophelia a boy or girl name?
Ophelia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ophelia?
Ophelia is usually pronounced oh-FEEL-yuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings