The importance of the word ‘Baloch’ has been characterized differently and various elucidations have been presented in regards to the root of the term. Herzfeld (1968) trusted that it is derived from Brza-vaciya, which originated from Brza-vak, meaning a boisterous cry, as opposed to ‘Namravak’, which means tranquil and obliging method of talking.
Rawlinson (1873) was of the view that the Baloch owe their name to Babylonian ruler ‘Belus’ which is the name of their God. It is additionally trusted that the word is a moniker, which means cockscomb. Women (1904) trusted that as ‘Baloch’ in Persian means a cockscomb or peak and the Baloch troops who battled for Astyages or Kai Khusrau (585-550 BC) were wearing head protectors with cockscomb peak, originated the name. While posting the warriors of Kai Khusrau, Firdausi addressed the Baloch under the order of General Ashkash as:
“Next (after Gustaham) came the perceptive Ashkash, endowed with a sensible heart and an ever-prepared mind. His troops were from the outcasts of the Koch and Baloch tribes that charged with valor into battle. No one had seen their backs in retreat or their bodies not covered with defensive layers. Their banner was a pard with hooks. Ashkash also acknowledged Kai Khusrau upon their unexpected turn of fortune.”
Among the Baloch, it is trusted that Baloch means something brilliant, unselfish, and effective. The acknowledgment on the importance of the term Baloch, drove a few journalists to trust that etymologically, it is made of two Sanskrit words, Bal and Och. ‘Bal’ means quality or power, and Och means high or wonderful. Baloch, in this manner, means capable and brilliant (Janmahmad, 1982).
One part of the significance of Baloch that could prove to be vital in finding the origins of the Baloch people has blatantly been overlooked in research. This is the identification of an ethnic group for the sake of Balashchik (Balascik), living close to numerous other ethnic groups in the historic times where there was Balashagan (Balashakan) between the Caspian Ocean and Lake Van in the present-day Turkey and Azerbaijan. The word Baloch is most likely a comparatively simpler version of the term Balascik. There is not much contrast in the articulation of Balascik, Balashchik, Baloachik, or Baloch. Indeed, even today, in various parts of Balochistan, numerous individuals call the Baloch as Balochuk and Balochi as Balochiki. It is most likely that the clan who was living in Balashakan was named after the area, or the district itself was named after its tenants, the Balascik.