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Ophelia Girl

Popularity: #245 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationoh-FEEL-yah / oʊˈfiːliə

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: help; Latin: serpent

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ophelia has its roots in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "ophelos," which means "help" or "advantage." This etymological origin reflects a sense of support or assistance, which has been a significant aspect of its interpretation throughout history. The name was adopted into Latin as "Ophelia," and subsequently made its way into Old French before entering the English lexicon, particularly during the Renaissance when classical names gained popularity in Europe.

Ophelia is notably recognized from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," written in the early 17th century. In this tragedy, Ophelia is a complex character whose tragic fate has resonated with audiences for centuries. The character's portrayal has influenced various artistic interpretations, including literature, visual arts, and music, solidifying the name's association with themes of love, madness, and loss. Shakespeare's work played a crucial role in popularizing the name in English-speaking cultures, and it has since been referenced in numerous literary and artistic contexts.

The name Ophelia has also been linked to various cultural and symbolic meanings, often embodying notions of beauty and fragility. In the context of Victorian literature and art, Ophelia became a symbol of the idealized woman, often depicted in paintings and poems that emphasize her ethereal qualities. This cultural resonance has contributed to the name's enduring presence in various artistic expressions, highlighting its emotional depth and complexity. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Effie" have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and continued relevance in different cultural narratives.

Trend Summary

Ophelia has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ofelia
  • Ophelie

International Variants

  • Ofelia (Spanish)
  • Ophelie (French)
  • Ofélia (Portuguese)

Famous people named Ophelia

Ophelia Lovibond is an actress best known for Guardians of the Galaxy, Mr. Sloane, and Elementary.

Ophelia Field is an author best known for her biographies and historical works.

Fictional characters named Ophelia

Ophelia is a fictional character from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. She is the tragic love interest of Prince Hamlet and represents themes of madness and innocence.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ophelia was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ophelia has ranked as high as #487 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Ophelia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ophelia (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 93
8%
CA 89
8%
FL 58
5%
OH 55
5%
IN 52
5%
PA 47
4%
NC 42
4%
IL 41
4%
NY 41
4%
MO 39
3%
WA 36
3%
CO 33
3%
GA 29
3%
WI 29
3%
AZ 29
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188044
188127
188256
188355
188461
188551
188660
188770
188881
188975
189065
189183
1892101
189389
189477
189591
189679
1897103
189899
1899112
1900150
190199
190295
1903122
1904109
1905125
1906120
1907132
1908124
1909160
1910169
1911129
1912208
1913187
1914224
1915260
1916266
1917285
1918313
1919331
1920353
1921347
1922364
1923323
1924362
1925364
1926314
1927311
1928283
1929255
1930251
1931201
1932237
1933211
1934196
1935186
1936171
1937184
1938167
1939144
1940149
1941131
1942147
1943165
1944140
1945119
1946115
1947146
1948141
1949139
1950172
1951164
1952133
1953159
1954158
1955111
1956122
1957132
1958133
1959105
1960103
196187
196287
196375
196472
196567
196666
196755
196853
196955
197049
197139
197256
197344
197431
197538
197636
197732
197835
197936
198027
198134
198235
198324
198430
198535
198645
198725
198821
198919
199027
199124
199217
199326
199427
199522
199629
199725
199828
199927
200021
200118
200232
200337
200433
200543
200647
200766
2008101
200976
201096
2011109
2012139
2013185
2014226
2015276
2016533
2017765
2018839
2019813
2020794
20211,013
20221,167
20231,176
20241,215