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Etymology •
& Meaning •
Hebrew •
Greek •
Bible •
Names •
http://www.crossonme.com
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Meaning and etymology of the Hebrew name Epher
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Epher 
There are three Ephers mentioned in the Bible. The first Epher is a son of Midian, son of Abraham with Keturah (Genesis 25:4). Other Ephers are a descendant of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:17) and a family head of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:24)
The name Epher is identical to the Hebrew root group (aphar I & II):
• The verb (apar) basically covers actions that can be done with dust: throw it or perhaps grind something (2 Samuel 16:13; build something (Genesis 26:15), even make potions from it (Numbers 5:17).
The derivative ('apar) means dust, earth, ashes, etc. Note that this is the same word as used to describe creation's basic fabric: dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7).
• The unused root (aphar II) yields the noun ('oper 1665a), meaning stag. HAW Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament adds as a note, "apar, 'dust,' comes from a different root than the noun oper, 'young hart, stag,' and the name Epher."
This statement no doubt comes from extensive study of cognates and extra-Scriptural applications. But etymology may not always change or influence meaning. If an unfortunate boy is named Trunk, his name means Elephant Nose, Suitcase, Tree Stem and many other things. The power of a name lies in its entire integral.
The name Epher may come from the noun , meaning dust, and that's not unprecedented as the name Adam means Made From Earth. In that sense, Epher means Dustling.
All the consulted sources, however, go with the meaning of stag: NOBS Study Bible Name List reads Young Deer. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names renders A Young Hart.
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