Ophelia’s Greek Meaning Before Shakespeare

Ophelia is linked to a Greek word for help or benefit. The name appeared in Sannazaro’s Arcadia before Shakespeare used it in Hamlet.

The name’s Greek roots and literary associations are separate parts of its history. You may be drawn to the sound even if Hamlet is your strongest association with it.

Name history and references

Related reading. Greek Names · Jessica

U.S. Social Security baby-name data