Orpha

Orpha is a name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Old Testament Book of Ruth. 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 deaths of her husband and sons, Orpha initially set out with her and Ruth. However, Naomi urged her daughters-in-law to return to their own people. While Ruth famously insisted on staying with Naomi, Orpha chose to return to Moab.

Despite her decision to return, Orpha is often remembered in contrast to Ruth, representing a different path. The name has seen sporadic use in Western cultures, particularly among Protestant communities who were familiar with biblical narratives. Its usage peaked in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a broader trend of using biblical names.