This is a reply within a larger thread: view the whole thread

Re: Ether?
Another etymology for Ether ("talk") at http://www.baby-names-and-stuff.com/israeli-baby-names/ether.asp
That site distinguishes it from Esther.That meaning may be closer to that of the aforementioned Mormon figure (they are both Semitic).There is a city, Ether, mentioned twice in the Book of Joshua (Bible). It means "abundant" per http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6281&t=KJV
"Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth." Ps. 127:4
JoHannah Jubilee, BenJudah Gabriel, Aaron Josiah, Jordan Uriah,
Maranatha Nissiah, (Anastasia Nike, 1992-1992), Jeshua David,
Shiloh Joshana, Elijah Daniel, Hezekiah Nathaniel, Zephaniah Joseph

This message was edited 8/17/2014, 6:12 AM

vote up1vote down

Replies

"Talk" doesn't sound like a correct meaning, the only similar word I can think of that's even remotely close to that meaning is atar (ayin tav resh), meaning "to appeal to". Is there any other source that supports that? If there is such a name, Abundance seems way more logical as a meaning (regarding the city).In Israel, there is apparently a rare name spelled the same way as the Biblical city, but wherever I find it spelled in English (name lists with English spellings, and Facebook) it's pronounced "Atar" (unlike the city). So "Ether" appears not to be a name here.Anyway regarding the usage you posted, in my opinion it's more likely a variant/misspelling of Esther/Ethel than parents using the name of an extremely obscure Biblical city, but I can't qualify that so you shouldn't take that as any more than an opinion.
vote up1vote down
I thought that the city's limited Biblical appearance would make it unlikely, too.
vote up1vote down