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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Ophelia since 1880
Total births
23,343
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
1,166 births
in 2023
1,166
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+192%
↗
vs previous 5 years