Born in 1954, "Orpah Winfrey" was named after Ruth's sister-in-law in the Bible (Ruth 1:4). The midwife, however, transposed letters while filling out the newborn's birth certificate -- ensuring that the child would later find fame as Oprah Winfrey.

[Among Oprah's nicknames? Deepak Oprah (a sendup of self-help guru Deepak Chopra).]

[Buddy Holly was born Charles Hardin Holley. His surname was misspelled on his first recording contract, and he never fixed it.]