Ophelia is a popular girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #81 in 2025 with 578 recorded births. This places Ophelia in the top 1% of ranked UK girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2024 with 645 births ranking #73. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 3,300.0%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 438 girls born was named Ophelia. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Ophelia is a dramatic, lyrical classic usually linked with the meaning 'help' or 'aid'. It feels romantic, literary, and distinctive.
The name is best known in English through Shakespeare, which gave it enduring literary visibility. In modern naming it has returned strongly among parents seeking ornate classics with atmosphere.