Everything about the name OPHELIA

Meaning, origin, history

Ophelia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ophthalmos," which means "eye." The name Ophelia was first used in Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet," where it belonged to Hamlet's beloved sister who ultimately meets her demise by drowning while trying to escape from King Claudius. Despite its tragic literary origins, Ophelia has become a popular name in many English-speaking countries due to its unique sound and elegant appearance.

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Popularity of the name OPHELIA since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Ophelia has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade in the United States, with a total of 23,343 births recorded since 1880. The name's usage remained relatively low and steady throughout much of the late 19th to mid-20th century, with fewer than 50 births per year between 1960 and 1970.

However, beginning in the 1970s, there was a gradual increase in the number of babies named Ophelia. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with a peak of 35 births in 1982. Despite a slight dip in popularity during the early 2000s, Ophelia's usage began to rise again around 2006.

In recent years, Ophelia has experienced a significant surge in popularity. Between 2016 and 2023, there were more than 4,500 births recorded for the name Ophelia, with over 1,000 births each year since 2021. This recent uptick suggests that Ophelia has become a popular choice among parents in the United States.

Overall, while Ophelia's usage has varied over time, it is clear that this name has gained popularity in recent years and continues to be a favored choice for many families across the country.