Ophelia - girls name

Ophelia name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 98%

Ophelia name meaning:

The name Ophelia is of Greek origin and carries a poetic and tragic association. The most famous reference to this name is found in Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, where Ophelia is a young and vulnerable character. The name itself can be interpreted as "helpful" or "serpent", highlighting both positive and negative attributes.

Ophelia's character is associated with beauty, innocence, and madness. She is depicted as a gentle and obedient daughter, but ultimately succumbs to the pressures and manipulations around her, leading to her tragic demise. Therefore, the name Ophelia can carry connotations of vulnerability, fragility, and a sense of tragedy.

However, it is important to remember that the meaning of a name can vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations. While Ophelia may embody tragic qualities in literature, the name's meaning can be interpreted differently in real life. Parents might choose this name for its lyrical quality or as a tribute to its literary origins. Ultimately, the significance of the name Ophelia will depend on the individual's interpretation and connection to the character and its associations.

Origin: French

Serpentine.

Other girls names beginning with O

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 116 out of 5581

433 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    296
  • 5yrs

    167
  • 1yr

    64

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

  • Scotland (442)

Historical popularity of Ophelia

The graph below shows the popularity of the girls's name Ophelia from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Ophelia in 2024