"wealthy friend, divine wealth"
Opie
Pronunciation: [ OHP-ee ]
The name of wholesome boyhood and Hollywood success
Meaning & Origin
"surname used as given name"
The Story of Opie
Opie originated as a nickname or surname, likely derived from the Old English personal name Osbert or related names beginning with Os- (meaning God or divine). As a given name it was used sparingly in the American South. The name gained its most beloved cultural footprint through Opie Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show, and later a very different character named Opie in Sons of Anarchy.
Opie Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968), played by Ron Howard, made the name synonymous with wholesome American boyhood. Ron Howard's successful directing career has kept the name in the cultural conversation. Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014) introduced a new, grittier Opie to television audiences.
Opie Taylor represents a particular ideal of American innocence and small-town goodness. Ron Howard's success as a director transformed Opie from a character's name to a sign of creative achievement, as Howard won the Academy Award for Best Director for A Beautiful Mind.
Fun Facts
- Ron Howard who played Opie Taylor went on to win the Academy Award for Best Director for A Beautiful Mind (2001)
- Opie Taylor's relationship with Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show is considered one of TV's greatest father-son bonds
Opie in Other Languages
Famous People Named Opie
Ron Howard
Other
1954
Academy Award-winning film director who began his career as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show
Opie Taylor Fictional
Other
Beloved son of Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968), played by Ron Howard
Opie (Harry Winston Jr.) Fictional
Other
Fan-favorite character in FX's Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club drama (2008-2014)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,175
- Total SSA Count
- 38
- Cultural Origins
- American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Opie is also used as a girl name, ranked #71018.
View Opie as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Opie
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About the Name Opie
Opie is a boy name with American and British origins . The name means "wealthy friend, divine wealth" in Old English Os- prefix names .
Is Opie a boy or girl name? Opie is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,175 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,018. Opie is more commonly used as a boy name.
Opie is currently ranked #3,175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Opie has 2 syllables and is pronounced OHP-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.