Ophelia is a unique and elegant name of Greek origin. It translates to "help" or "assistance," which gives it a profound meaning. In Greek mythology, Ophelia was the daughter of King Laomedon and sister of Hector, who played significant roles in the Trojan War.
The name gained popularity due to its usage in Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet." Ophelia is one of the main characters in the play, a noblewoman who falls in love with Prince Hamlet. Her tragic death by drowning after going mad has made her character iconic in literature and the arts.
Today, Ophelia remains an uncommon yet captivating name choice for girls. It offers a touch of classicism with its Greek origins and literary heritage while still sounding fresh and distinctive. Parents who choose this name often appreciate its rich history and unique meaning.
The name Ophelie has seen a slight decrease in popularity over the past sixteen years in the United States. In 2001, there were six babies named Ophelie, while in 2017, this number had dropped to five births. This indicates that the name is less common than it was sixteen years ago. Despite this decline, Ophelie remains a unique and distinct name, with a total of eleven babies given this name in the United States over these two years combined.