Nationwide — Oprah Winfrey revealed that the name she became famous for was not the name written on her birth certificate. The media mogul said she was actually born Orpah, but a childhood spelling mistake changed the name the world knows today.
Winfrey shared the story during an appearance on Keke Palmer’s podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer. She explained that people around her had trouble spelling Orpah, so they began calling her Oprah instead.
According to the Daily Mail, the 72-year-old icon said she only learned about the difference when she was around 20 years old. By that time, Oprah had already become the name she used in her personal and professional life.
Winfrey said her original name came from the Bible, specifically the story of Ruth and Naomi. The name Orpah appears in Ruth chapter 1, verse 14, where Orpah chooses to return while Ruth stays with Naomi.
During the conversation, Winfrey also pointed out that Palmer had a different name on her birth certificate. The actress and host was born Lauren Keyana Palmer, which surprised her when Winfrey mentioned it.
Winfrey previously explained the story on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005. She said her aunt chose the biblical name Orpah, but the spelling confusion led to the name Oprah becoming permanent.
Her famous name later inspired Harpo Productions, the company she founded in 1986. The name Harpo is simply Oprah spelled backward.
Winfrey went on to become one of the most influential figures in media. She rose to fame as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, launched OWN, and became the first Black female billionaire.
Source: BlackNews.com
