For the Hebrew name several possible origins have been discussed. One is yoter, lit. shoots or teacher, a name used for a specific rain in the Fifth Book of Moses () and the Book of Joel (), the first one of the annual rainy season in the Land of Israel. A second is high place, as the hill does indeed dominate the surrounding valleys. A third is based on the meaning of teacher for the Hebrew moreh, interpreted as a local holy man who could foretell the future. One can also think of a holy man living on Givat HaMoreh who could bring about rain, or of a rainmaking cult once practiced at the site.