The name Ophelia is derived from the Greek word 'ophis', meaning snake. It is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, where serpents held symbolic significance in various mythological tales.

One of the earliest known references to the name Ophelia can be found in the works of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, who lived around 630-570 BC. She mentioned a character named Ophelia in one of her poems, although little is known about the context or significance of this figure.

The name gained widespread recognition in the 16th century with the publication of William Shakespeare's famous play, "Hamlet". In the play, Ophelia is a tragic character, the daughter of Polonius and the love interest of Prince Hamlet. Her descent into madness and eventual death by drowning have made her a iconic figure in literature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ophelia being used in real life was in the 16th century, when it was given to the daughter of Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous English explorer and courtier. Ophelia Raleigh was born in 1592 and died in 1645.

Another notable Ophelia in history was Ophelia Aldridge, an American educator and activist who lived from 1835 to 1908. She was a pioneer in the field of education for African Americans and founded several schools in the southern United States.

In the 19th century, the name Ophelia was popularized by the French author and poet Théophile Gautier, who wrote a poem titled "Ophélie" in 1842. The poem, inspired by Shakespeare's character, helped to further cement the name's association with tragic romanticism.

Ophelia Lovibond, an English actress born in 1986, is a contemporary example of someone bearing the name. She has appeared in various films and television shows, including the popular series "Elementary" and "W1A".

Throughout history, the name Ophelia has been associated with themes of tragedy, madness, and doomed love, thanks to its literary origins and the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's character. Despite its melancholic connotations, the name has maintained a certain allure and has been used across different cultures and time periods.