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GirlOrigin debated4 syllables

Ophelia

Meaning: not confirmed (origin debated)

About the name Ophelia

The origin of Ophelia is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Greek roots, with the meaning “Help”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.

Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Ophelia we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.

It has a vintage, unique feel. In 2025, Ophelia ranked #264 for girls in the US, with 1,183 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2024. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Ophelia were girls.

US rank 2025
#264
In 2015
#980
Babies in 2025
1,183

Popularity of Ophelia, 1940–2025

03066129171.2k19401960198020002020
GirlsBabies per year in the US

Latest SSA data: 2025.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).

Nicknames for Ophelia

Names similar to Ophelia

Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.