in Ancient Geography, a village between Egypt and Arabia Petraea; or, according to Ptolemy, at a promontory situated between the Sinus Hcroopolites and Elaniticus of the Red sea, where Ishmael is said to have dwelt. In Hebrew it is Paran, and in most interpreters; Pharan, Septuagint and Vulgate. Pharanites, the people (Ptolemy). Paran or Pharan, the name of the wilderness in its neighbourhood, adjoining to Cadesh.