The name is in reference to a rock: a rock of escape
(ESV) or a rock of parting
(NIV). It was named after this incident where God providentially divided David and Saul.1 Other examples of topographical features that receive memorable names can be found in 1 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 2:16; Joshua 5:3; Judges 15:17; and Judges 15:19.2
28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.