Orpah

“back of the neck, fawn”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1186US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

107All-time births

📅 Since 189900

How to pronounce Orpah

AW·rpah

/ˈɔ.rpɑ/ · stress on AW · 2 syllables

“back of the neck, fawn”

Hebrew origin · Girl name

What does Orpah mean and where does it come from?

Orpah (עברית: עָרְפָּה) is a name of Hebrew origin, found in the biblical Book of Ruth. It signifies 'the back of the neck' or 'fawn'. The biblical Orpah was the sister-in-law of Ruth who chose to return to her people instead of following Ruth to Bethlehem. The name has a unique historical resonance

Cultural significance

Orpah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of back of the neck, fawn.

Peak popularity

Reached #1831 in 1899 — currently #1186 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Orpah?

Orpah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Orpah Grace

How popular is Orpah right now?

Holding steady — currently #1186 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1186 · Top 0.88%

1915

1920

1925

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1186	1,014	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1191	994	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1196	964	▲ up 4247 · +19180% births
1950	#5443	5	▼ down 2235 · -50% births
1925	#3208	10	▲ up 894 · +43% births
1920	#4102	7	▲ up 315 · +40% births
1915	#4417	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Orpah

Best Year2023Rank #1186

Peak Count1,014

Average Rank#2963

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20237 years

The story of Orpah

Orpah has been a beloved American name for over 125 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1899. With 107 total births recorded, Orpah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4417 in 1915 to #1186 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Orpah in 1899:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Orpah by decade

Orpah peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1910s	40
1920s ★	57
1950s	5

💎Orpah has only 107 total recorded births since 1899 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Orpah?

Common

Orp

Famous people named Orpah

Orpah (historical community leader)

Orpah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Orpah (historical figure)

Orpah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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What names sound and feel like Orpah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Orpah also consider these

Ormah

Hebrew · Faithful, loyal

Oryah

Hebrew · אוריה

Orpha

Hebrew · א orphan, one

How is Orpah written in other languages?

עָרְפָּה

Ancient Hebrew

Common questions about the name Orpah

What does the name Orpah mean?

Orpah means "back of the neck, fawn" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Orpah?

Orpah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Orpah?

Orpah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Orpah?

Orpah is a two-syllable name pronounced AO1 R P AA0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Orpah a common or rare name?

Orpah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.