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Opie

Pronunciation: [ OHP-ee ]

Boy Name #3,175 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The name of wholesome boyhood and Hollywood success

American British
Playful Vintage Whimsical Classic

Meaning & Origin

"wealthy friend, divine wealth"
Origin: Old English Os- prefix names
Language: English
"surname used as given name"
Origin: English surname tradition
Language: English

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

French Opie
English Opie
Spanish Opie

Famous People Named Opie

R

Ron Howard

Other

1954

Academy Award-winning film director who began his career as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show

O

Opie Taylor Fictional

Other

Beloved son of Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968), played by Ron Howard

O

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

Opie James Opie Lee Opie Thomas Opie Ray Opie Dale Opie Wayne

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Opie is also used as a girl name, ranked #71018.

View Opie as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Opie

What does the name Opie mean?
"wealthy friend, divine wealth" (from Old English Os- prefix names). "surname used as given name" (from English surname tradition). 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.
What is the origin of the name Opie?
Opie has Old English Os- prefix names, English surname tradition, American, and British origins. In Old English Os- prefix names, it means "wealthy friend, divine wealth". In English surname tradition, it means "surname used as given name".
Is Opie a boy or girl name?
Opie is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3175. As a girl name, it is ranked #71018. Opie is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Opie?
Opie is pronounced OHP-ee.
How popular is the name Opie?
Opie is currently ranked #3175 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Opie?
Popular middle name pairings include Opie James, Opie Lee, Opie Thomas, Opie Ray, Opie Dale, and Opie Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Opie?
Names that pair well with Opie as siblings include Barney, Otis, Andy, Ellie, Scout, and Atticus.
How many syllables does Opie have?
Opie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Opie a common or rare name?
Opie is an uncommon name, ranked #3175 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

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