[oman-l] Oman etymology

[elisheva]

> 
> >Query:  Oman is a very ancient word. That is, it appears on very old maps.
>  >          What is the "meaning" and etymology of Oman?
>  >          Any possible connection with a word referring to the
>  >          bottom or end of a foot, especially (big) toe or toes,
>  >          such as BoHeN (in Hebrew)?
> >
> >Can anybody help with these questions?
> >
> >Isa
> 
i dont know about the name oman, but since it seems your friend is
intersted in this aspect, i have heard that the province of Dhofar is
belived by some to be Ofir of the bible (gen. 10:29). Ofir was
supposedly named after one of the sons of Yaktan. interesting to point
out that some of the tribes of the area link themselves to Kakhtan.
as far as i know, none of this has ever been proven. just ideas.

good luck
elisheva