Alternatives to Ophelia
- Flavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden, blond"Description:
An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
- Delphina
Origin:
French from GreekMeaning:
"of Delphi; womb"Description:
Delphina is another form of the sleek French Delphine, rising in popularity. The Blessed Delphina was a Provencal nun.
- Ophelie
Origin:
French variation of OpheliaMeaning:
"help"Description:
Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.
- Zenobia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"force of Zeus"Description:
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically unusual. Tina Fey used it as her daughter Alice's middle name.
- Opaline
Origin:
Elaboration of Opal, French, SanskritMeaning:
"gem"Description:
A word name with a touch of Adeline/Caroline/Apolline mixed in, Opaline has a sleek and stylish yet whimsical feel.
- Ofira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Identified with a region famous for its gold, more commonly spelled Ophira.
- Belphoebe
Origin:
Invented literary nameMeaning:
"beautiful shining one"Description:
The name of the character in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" whom the poet intended as a representation of Queen Elizabeth I. While it will no doubt thrill your daughter's English professor, the addition of the "Bel" to already great Phoebe is on the fussy side.
- Evelia
Description:
Evelia is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the Latin name Evelius, which may be related to 'aevum' meaning 'age' or 'eternity.' The name is most prevalent in Hispanic communities, particularly in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. Evelia has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels, making it both elegant and accessible. While not among the most common Hispanic names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name carries a timeless quality and often evokes associations with beauty and grace. The nickname Evelie or Eve is sometimes used as a familiar form.
- Oprah
Origin:
Variation of Orpah, HebrewMeaning:
"fawn or gazelle"Description:
The misspelling that created an indelibly one-person name. And we mean that literally: Despite Oprah Winfrey's fame and appeal, there were no baby girls named Oprah last year, OR Orpah.
- Orelia
Description:
Orelia is a melodious feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's closely related to Aurelia and can be considered a variant form. The name evokes a sense of preciousness, warmth, and radiance—qualities associated with gold. Orelia has a romantic, slightly antique feel with its flowing syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, the name has seen occasional usage throughout Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, and among Hispanic communities. In recent years, Orelia has gained some attention from parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with classical origins. Its similarity to more familiar names like Olivia and Amelia makes it approachable, while its relative rarity offers uniqueness.
- Abelia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sigh, breath"Description:
This feminine form of Abel is also a flower name and makes a distinctive alternative to the widely used Abigail. There is a similar name, Adelia, that is beginning to be rediscovered thanks to the trend for all names Adel- related.
- Oleana
Description:
Oleana is a lyrical feminine name with possible Slavic or Greek origins. It may be a variant of Elena/Helena (meaning 'bright, shining light') or could relate to Oleander, a flowering plant name. In some Slavic languages, particularly Ukrainian, Oleana appears as a folk variant of Olena (Helena). The name gained some recognition through a Norwegian folk song about a utopian community called 'Oleana.' With its flowing vowels and soft sounds, Oleana has a romantic, almost ethereal quality. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it carries a natural musicality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. The name's international connections and gentle sound give it a sophisticated, worldly character while maintaining accessibility.
- Orithyia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"woman raging in the mountains"Description:
As elaborate O names such as Olympia and Ophelia gain popularity, Orithyia seems more and more usable. It's the name of several women in Greek mythology, including Orithyia, Queen of the Amazon, who co-ruled with her sister Antiope.
- Olesia
Origin:
Polish, diminutive of AleksandraDescription:
Sounds a bit pharmaceutical.
- Orphea
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The feminine form of Orpheus, the charming musician of Greek myth who descended to the underworld.
- Ovalia
Description:
Ovalia is a rare feminine name with Latin origins, likely derived from 'ovalis' meaning oval or egg-shaped, symbolizing perfection and completeness. This elegant name has an ethereal, lyrical quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Ovalia has occasionally appeared throughout history, particularly in regions with Romance language influences. The name carries a sense of uniqueness and distinction, appealing to parents seeking something melodious yet unusual. Its rarity gives it a special quality, while its classical roots provide historical depth. The feminine ending '-ia' enhances its graceful, sophisticated character.
- Orpha
Origin:
Variation of Orpah, HebrewMeaning:
"fawn"Description:
Orpha, with its Biblical roots and its animal meaning, was once a fairly popular name, but fell from sight around the time of the Second World War, along with so many other Old School Names. And its similarity to the word orphan probably didn't help.
- Oliana
Origin:
PolynesianMeaning:
"oleander"Description:
Lilting choice. "Oleanna" is the title of a David Mamet play.
- Ovidia
Origin:
Feminine variation of Ovidius, Roman family nameMeaning:
"shepherd or sheep"Description:
Ovidia is the unusual feminine form of the ancient Roman Ovidius, most famous as the name of the exiled 1st century Roman poet Ovid. Modern male form Ovidio is known in Spain and Portugal. Ovida is another variation.
- Camelia
Origin:
Romanian and Spanish form of CamelliaMeaning:
"camellia flower"Description:
A floral name, used in Romania and popular in Moldova too. Camellia is the English form, while Camélia is used in France. The flower itself is named after botanist George Josef Kamel.