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Etymology •
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Meaning and etymology of the name Ophir
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Ophir 
Ophir is one of many sons of Joktan, the brother of Peleg (Genesis 10:29). Peleg becomes the ancestor of Abraham. The Joktanites are the last mentioned Shemite generation before the tower of Babel is built. Much later a typically auriferous land of Ophir is mentioned, which may or may not be the land that the descendants of the first Ophir settled (1 Kings 9:28, Psalm 45:9, Isaiah 13:12).
The etymology and original meaning of the name Ophir are unclear. Fuerst's Hebrew & Chaldee lexicon to the Old Testament derives it from the root group  (awa I, II & III).
The unused root ('wh) yields derivation  ('i), coast.
Verb ('awa II) means to desire; derivation  means desire.
Verb ('awa III) means to mark, make sign.
The second part of the name supposedly comes from an Arab equivalent meaning riches. The name could thus mean Coast Of Riches or Mark Of Wealth. NOBS Study Bible Name List simply reads Rich. Jones' Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Abundance.
However, whatever the original meaning of the name Ophir might have been, a Hebrew audience would have surely noted the distinct similarity between the name and the root group  (apr I & II):
The unused and untranslated root (apr I) yields the word (eper), meaning ashes; a word that denotes the result of burning, but which also serves as a symbol of grief ("sackcloth and ashes" - Daniel 9:3), and utter destruction (Ezekiel 28:18).
The unused and untranslated root (apr II) - which perhaps may have something to do with Arabian words meaning to cover, hence turban, says BDB Theological Dictionary - yields the words (aper), meaning covering or bandage (1 Kings 20:38 only), and  (appiryon), denoting either a kind of material from which Solomon had his chair made, or it has to do with the shape and form of it: a covered chair, perhaps with a kind of awning (Song 3:9).
That means that the name Ophir would probably remind a Hebrew audience of either turbans or awninged chairs. And if it didn't, it surely would have reminded them of the name  (Ephraim). That name is a bit of a mystery too, but it's commonly understood to mean Doubly Fruitful. For a nation known for its gold, that would be warranted to say the least.
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