Meaning and history
Orpah is a biblical feminine name from Hebrew Orpah, traditionally associated with the “back of the neck,” because she turns away from Naomi, though the etymology may reflect narrative wordplay. In the Book of Ruth, Orpah is Ruth’s Moabite sister-in-law who returns to her people while Ruth remains with Naomi. Oprah Winfrey was reportedly intended to be named Orpah, but her familiar spelling developed differently. Modern exact-name use is rare.