Oprah is a variant of Orpah. Orpah originates in Hebrew language and means "one who turned her back". The name is mentioned in the Bible, specifically the Book of Ruth. As a feminine given name it is very rare in the United States. Oprah was popularized by the famous American TV personality Oprah Winfrey, born Orpah Gail Winfrey. She got her nickname due to her own mispronunciation of her original name as a child.