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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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Orpah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
One syllable · timeless choice
Orpah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Orpah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Orpah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Orpah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Orpah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Orpah right now?
Holding steady — currently #1186 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
💎Orpah has only 107 total recorded births since 1899 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Orpah?
Famous people named Orpah
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Orpah (historical community leader)
Orpah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Orpah (historical figure)
Orpah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Orpah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Orpah also consider these
How is Orpah written in other languages?
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 AW-rpah. 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.