Orpa

Orpah is a biblical name, appearing in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. She was a Moabite woman, the sister-in-law of Ruth and daughter-in-law of Naomi. When Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons, Orpah initially set out with her and Ruth. However, Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their own people. While Ruth famously chose to stay with Naomi, Orpah tearfully returned to Moab.

The name's meaning, 'back of the neck' or 'stiff-necked,' has been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars suggest it refers to her turning back from Naomi, while others see it as a characteristic of the Moabite people or simply a descriptive physical trait. Despite her decision to return, Orpah is generally remembered as a sympathetic character in the biblical narrative, making a difficult choice out of loyalty to her own family and culture.