Ofir
oh-FEER
Ofir is the Hebrew form of Ophir, a land renowned in the Bible for its exceptional gold and precious stones, mentioned in the stories of King Solomon. The name carries connotations of wealth, splendor, and legendary abundance.
At a glance
Ofir takes its name from the legendary biblical land of gold that supplied King Solomon's temple, making it a name steeped in scripture, splendour, and the allure of the ancient world. It is a firmly established masculine name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition.
Etymology & History
The name Ofir is the modern Hebrew rendering of the biblical place name Ophir, which appears numerous times across the Hebrew scriptures, including in the books of Genesis, Kings, Chronicles, and Job. The land of Ophir was celebrated as a source of extraordinary gold, fine timber, and precious stones. In 1 Kings, it is recorded that Solomon's fleet sailed to Ophir and returned with 420 talents of gold, an almost incomprehensible wealth used to adorn the First Temple in Jerusalem. The etymology of the place name itself is uncertain. Some scholars connect it to Semitic roots meaning gold or abundance, while others suggest it may be a geographic name absorbed into Hebrew from an older stratum of Near Eastern languages. In Genesis 10, Ophir appears as a personal name, listed as a descendant of Shem through Joktan, placing it among the table of nations and giving it a patriarchal genealogical dimension. The shift from the anglicised spelling Ophir to the modern Hebrew Ofir reflects the standardisation of Hebrew transliteration in the 20th century, and the name has been in consistent use in Israel since statehood.
Cultural Significance
Ofir holds a prominent place in Hebrew naming culture because of its vivid biblical associations. The land of Ophir was not merely wealthy; it represented the pinnacle of earthly prosperity in the ancient imagination, and its gold was specifically consecrated to the service of God through Solomon's Temple. Choosing the name Ofir for a child therefore carries an implicit blessing of abundance, distinction, and divine favour. Within Israel, Ofir has been a consistently popular masculine name and appears regularly across generations. The name also has a certain mystique because the location of the biblical Ophir has never been definitively identified, with scholars proposing sites across the ancient world. This enduring geographical mystery adds a layer of legend to the name, making it feel both historically grounded and tantalizingly elusive. The name is occasionally given to girls as well, reflecting a broader modern Israeli trend towards cross-gender use of classic Hebrew names.
Famous people named Ofir
Ofir Ben-Shitrit
Israeli singer who rose to prominence as a contestant on a popular Israeli talent competition and became known for her powerful voice and stage presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Ofir
Amit
“Infinite, boundless”
Amit derives from the Hebrew root 'amitat' or 'amit' (עָמִית), an ancient term meaning a fellow, companion, or associate, someone who stands alongside you. The word appears in the Hebrew Bible in Leviticus in the phrase 'love your neighbor as yourself,' where 'amit' is often translated as 'neighbor' or 'fellow.' As a name, Amit captures the ideal of loyal, devoted friendship and is one of the few Hebrew names that functions naturally as gender-neutral in modern Israeli use.
Oded
“Encourager, one who restores”
Oded (עוֹדֵד) derives from the Hebrew root ע-ו-ד (a-v-d) meaning 'to encourage,' 'to restore,' or 'to support.' It conveys the sense of one who uplifts and strengthens others.
Ofer
“Young deer, fawn”
Ofer comes from the Hebrew word for a young deer or fawn, symbolizing grace, swiftness, and youthful energy. It evokes imagery of gentleness and agility found in nature.
Omri
“My sheaf, my life”
Omri is a Hebrew name meaning my sheaf or my life, with the word sheaf referring to a bundle of harvested grain, symbolising sustenance and the fruits of one's labour. The name carries a sense of personal vitality and abundance, suggesting a life well-lived and full of meaning. In the Hebrew Bible, Omri was a king of Israel who founded the city of Samaria, lending the name a legacy of leadership and historical weight.
Ophir
“Legendary land of gold”
Ophir is the biblical spelling of the name referring to a legendary land of gold mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with King Solomon's immense wealth. The name symbolizes prosperity, richness, and divine favor.
Oren
“Pine tree, ash tree”
Oren is a nature-inspired Hebrew name meaning "pine tree" or "ash tree," evoking strength, resilience, and evergreen vitality. The name connects a child to the natural world through the image of a tall, enduring tree, making it a grounded and meaningful choice with a clean, modern sound.
Where you'll find Ofir
Ofir shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.