Male Names for Afghan Hound

“Sultan” denotes a powerful ruler, evoking images of opulence, authority, and grandeur. The name carries connotations of supreme leadership and dignified command. In a canine context, it suggests a dog who holds court with presence and confidence, befitting the aristocratic aura that Afghan Hounds naturally possess.

From Arabic and Persian roots meaning “authority” or “power,” the title “Sultan” was historically used for sovereign rulers, especially in Islamic kingdoms. As a name, it conveys leadership and majesty.

“Zahir” is an Arabic name meaning “manifest” or “brightly evident,” suggesting something that stands out with clarity and light. It can also connote “shining” or “radiant,” implying a brilliance that cannot be hidden. The name carries a sense of visibility and prominence, as if to describe one whose presence is unmistakable and illustrious.

Originating from Arabic, “Zahir” translates to “evident” or “manifest,” often interpreted as “outwardly shining.” It has been used as a given name across Persian and Arabic cultures, including historically by Afghan royalty like King Zahir Shah.

“Amir” is a title and name of Arabic origin meaning “prince” or “commander.” It signifies a person of high rank, leadership, and noble blood. The word carries an aura of prestige and respect, traditionally used for those who are next in line to rule or who lead with authority and honor.

Amir (also spelled Emir) comes from Arabic, where it literally means “prince” or “commander.” The term has been used historically as a title of nobility in the Middle East and Central Asia, reflecting authority and noble status.

“Darius” is a classic name of Persian origin, famously borne by ancient kings. It translates roughly to “he who holds the good,” implying a protector or preserver of goodness and wealth. The name radiates a sense of strength, stability, and virtue, backed by the grandeur of historical legacy.

Darius comes from the Old Persian name Dārayavahuš, combining elements meaning “to hold” and “goodness.” Several kings of the Achaemenid Persian Empire bore this name, cementing its association with leadership and a noble heritage.

“Aslan” means “lion,” a symbol of courage, pride, and regal strength. The name immediately evokes the image of a powerful, golden-maned lion surveying his domain. It implies bravery, guardianship, and a certain majestic fierceness tempered by wisdom, given the lion’s status as king of the beasts.

Aslan comes from a Turkic word meaning “lion,” historically used as a name and title across Central Asia. Its use in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series for a heroic lion further popularized it as a symbol of bravery and royalty.

“Rumi” is most famously the name of a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic whose verses celebrate love and spiritual wisdom. Using “Rumi” as a name evokes poetic insight and a gentle soul with a deep, contemplative nature. It has come to symbolize a serene, enlightened spirit and an appreciation for beauty and truth.

Originally an honorific surname of the Persian poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Rūmī (meaning “from Rome,” referring to Anatolia), Rumi today carries his legacy of mysticism and poetry, symbolizing spiritual love and insight.

“Khyber” calls to mind the Khyber Pass, the rugged mountain gateway in Afghanistan famed in history and legend. As a name it carries a sense of adventure, resilience, and wild beauty. It suggests a strong, stalwart character, evoking images of formidable mountains and the determination to traverse them.

Khyber is the name of the famous mountain pass linking Afghanistan and Pakistan. The word has been part of regional history for ages, known as a strategic gateway. Using it as a name imparts some of the region’s storied legacy onto the dog.

“Omid” is Persian for “hope.” It embodies optimism, a bright outlook, and the expectation of good things to come. The name carries gentle positivity, suggesting that the one who bears it can lift spirits and bring comfort simply through their presence.

Omid is a Persian word that translates to “hope.” It is commonly used as a male name in Iran and Afghanistan, carrying connotations of optimism and aspiration. Simple and uplifting, the name embodies positive expectation in Persian culture.

“Cypress” is the name of a tall, slender evergreen tree often associated with the Mediterranean and Middle East. In poetry, the cypress is a symbol of elegance and immortality, its form standing straight and proud through the seasons. The word itself evokes nature’s stately beauty and enduring life.

Cypress comes from the Greek name of the tree (kyparissos), ultimately from a pre-Greek origin. It entered English via Latin (cypressus). As a given name or word-name, it’s inspired by the tree’s imagery of long life and upright elegance in nature.

“Summit” refers to the highest point of a mountain, the peak that stands above all else. It signifies achievement, elevation, and being at the top. The word brings to mind majestic mountaintops and the perseverance required to reach them, encapsulating triumph and lofty perspective.

Summit is an English word (from Old French somet, “topmost point”) for the apex or peak. It entered common usage to describe mountaintops and figuratively, high achievement. As a name, it’s part of a modern trend of using inspirational natural features to denote strength and aspiration.

“Atlas” is a figure from Greek mythology—a Titan who was tasked with holding up the sky. By extension, the name represents immense strength and endurance. It also brings to mind maps and the vastness of the world (from the term for a collection of maps), blending ideas of might and exploration.

Atlas originates from Greek, where it was the name of a mythological Titan. The term later became associated with map collections (after a depiction of Atlas on early map books). As a personal name, it signifies might and worldliness.

“Zephyr” means a gentle west wind, originating from Greek myth where Zephyrus was the god of the west wind. The word conjures a soft, balmy breeze carrying spring’s warmth. It suggests something light, quick, and free-roaming—nature’s whisper of motion and change.

Zephyr comes from Greek (Zephuros), originally referring to the west wind god. By the 17th century it entered English to mean any light, gentle breeze. Used as a name, it evokes a breezy, free-spirited nature and delicate speed.

“Sirocco” is the name of a hot, powerful wind that blows from the Sahara toward the Mediterranean. It’s known for its intensity and dry heat, often stirring up sand and changing the weather dramatically. The term evokes force, desert mystery, and a sudden, warm gust that commands attention.

Sirocco comes from Italian (ultimately from Arabic for “east”), referring to the hot Sahara wind. English adopted it in the 17th century for those desert gales. As a name it’s rare and dramatic, carrying the heat and energy of a desert wind.

“Aero” stems from the Greek prefix for “air,” often used to denote something aerodynamic or air-related. As a standalone word, it suggests flight, lift, and speed through the atmosphere. It has a modern, sleek feel, evoking images of planes, arrows, or any object cutting swiftly through air.

Aero comes from the Greek root “aēr” meaning “air.” It appears in English as a prefix (aerodynamic, aeroplane). As a given name or nickname, Aero is modern and rare, chosen for its connection to air and speed.

“Bolt” refers to a lightning bolt—sudden, electric, and incredibly fast. It’s also a verb meaning to run off swiftly. The word carries connotations of raw power and split-second speed, leaving a vivid impression like a flash of lightning across the sky.

Bolt is an English word with Old English origins (bolt meaning arrow). It came to denote lightning due to the arrow-like speed and shape of a lightning flash. As a name, especially for pets, it highlights swiftness and striking energy.

“Storm” signifies a powerful disturbance in weather, marked by strong winds, possibly rain, thunder, or sand. The word evokes intensity, drama, and uncontrollable natural force. It carries a wild energy and suggests something formidable and awe-inspiring in its fury.

Storm is an Old English word (from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz) for a violent weather event. It has long been used in English to describe tempests at sea or on land. As a personal or pet name, it emphasizes strength, intensity, and untamed nature.

“Toofan” means “storm” or “typhoon” in Persian and some related languages (like Urdu). It encapsulates the idea of a tempest—strong, sudden, and forceful. The term carries an exotic flair due to its non-English origin, yet its sense of turbulence and power is universally understood.

Toofan (طوفان) is a Persian and Urdu word meaning “storm.” It shares roots with the Arabic “tufan.” Used as a name, it is uncommon outside its native context, giving the bearer a strong, culturally rich identity linked to tempestuous force.

“Falcon” is a bird of prey known for its incredible speed and keen sight. The name evokes sharpness, agility, and hunting prowess, as falcons can dive at astonishing speeds to catch their quarry. It symbolizes a fierce, fast hunter and the majesty of the skies.

Falcon comes from Late Latin falco (possibly from Latin falx, “sickle,” for the bird’s curved talons). It entered English in medieval times to name the bird of prey. As a name, Falcon is bold and evocative, aligning with the raptor’s speed and nobility.

“Nimbus” refers to a type of cloud, often one that brings rain (like nimbus clouds), and by extension a radiant halo in artistic depictions. The word suggests something lofty and sky-related, carrying both the sense of storm clouds and the aura of light around a deity. It’s at once turbulent and mystical.

Nimbus is Latin for “cloud.” It entered English to describe rain clouds and later the halo around holy figures. As a name, Nimbus is very uncommon, chosen for its ethereal sky imagery and the blend of calm and storm it implies.

“Rostam” is the name of a celebrated hero in Persian epic poetry (from the Shahnameh). Rostam is depicted as a peerless warrior of immense strength and bravery. The name symbolizes heroism, loyalty, and the might to overcome great challenges, deeply rooted in Persian legend.

Rostam is a Persian name of ancient origin, famously borne by the hero of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (10th-century epic). The character’s name possibly derives from Persian elements meaning “to grow tall” or “strong.” It’s iconic in Persian lore, synonymous with strength and heroism.

“Orion” is a famed hunter in Greek mythology, placed among the stars as a constellation. The name suggests a mighty huntsman boasting strength and skill. It also carries the imagery of the night sky—Orion’s belt of stars is one of the most recognizable celestial patterns, blending heroism with cosmic wonder.

Orion comes from Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant huntsman. The name’s etymology is uncertain, but it was adopted into Latin and modern languages through myth. It’s also the name of a prominent constellation. As a given name, Orion invokes the lore of a great hunter among the stars.

“Mithra” (or Mitra) is an ancient Persian deity of covenant, light, and friendship. The name carries the concept of illuminating truth and maintaining bonds and oaths. Mithra was venerated as a solar figure bringing divine light and upholding justice, symbolizing loyalty and guidance.

Mithra is derived from Avestan (the sacred language of Zoroastrianism) and means “contract” or “friend.” Mithra was a key deity in pre-Islamic Persian religion, later known in the West as Mithras in a Roman cult. As a name, it’s virtually unused outside scholarly contexts, making it a unique choice anchored in ancient tradition.

“Phoenix” is a mythological bird that cyclically regenerates, burning to ash and arising anew. The name stands for immortality, resilience, and rebirth. Associated with fire and the sun, a phoenix shines brightly and represents the idea of a triumphant return or undying spirit.

Phoenix comes from Greek (Phoinix), referring to the mythical firebird. The term passed into Latin and then English, becoming a symbol of resurrection and renewal. As a name, Phoenix has become more common in recent times, invoking the myth’s themes of undying spirit and renewal.

“Zarathustra” (also known as Zoroaster) was an ancient Persian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism. The name signifies a sage or one with divine wisdom. It carries connotations of spiritual insight, revolution in thought, and guiding light, as Zarathustra introduced profound religious concepts to his people.

Zarathustra is the Greek-transcribed name of Zarathushtra, the ancient Persian prophet (estimated around 2nd millennium BCE). It likely means “he of the golden light” or has other debated meanings in Avestan. The name became famous in the West via Nietzsche’s philosophical novel “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” Using it bestows a sense of ancient wisdom and uniqueness.

“Cashmere” is a luxury wool obtained from certain goats, famed for being extremely soft and fine. The word suggests coziness, warmth, and high quality. As a concept, cashmere implies something rare, comforting, and indulgently smooth to the touch.

Cashmere is named after the old spelling of Kashmir, a region in India famed for producing this fine wool. The term entered English in the 19th century to denote the material. As a name, it’s seldom used, chosen to evoke softness, richness, and exotic provenance.

“Onyx” is a semi-precious stone typically black (though it comes in layers of colors), valued for its smooth, glassy luster. The name evokes darkness, depth, and a hint of mystery. Onyx symbolizes strength, grounding, and elegance—black onyx in particular has a classic, formal beauty.

Onyx comes from Latin and Greek (onyx, meaning “claw” or “fingernail,” possibly referring to the stone’s layered appearance). It has been an English word for the mineral since the 13th century. As a name, Onyx is a modern adoption, used for its sleek and powerful imagery.

“Gossamer” describes something extremely light, delicate, and sheer—like a fine spiderweb or a thin, flowing fabric. The word paints a picture of airy fragility and ethereal beauty. It often refers to a cobweb seen in autumn or any tenuous material that floats on the breeze.

Gossamer originates from Middle English (gos, “goose,” and somer, “summer”), perhaps from “goose summer,” referring to late autumn when geese were eaten and cobwebs are common. By the 16th century, it came to mean any fine, light fabric or substance. Rarely used as a name, it is chosen to evoke delicate beauty.

“Topaz” is a gemstone that comes in various colors, notably a golden amber or icy blue. Historically, topaz was associated with the sun’s energy and believed to have protective powers. The name suggests brightness, clarity, and value—topaz is hard and was one of the classical “precious stones.”

Topaz comes from Latin via Greek topazos, originally named for Topazios Island in the Red Sea (though the mineral referred to might have been a different stone). It has been an English word for the gem since the 13th century. As a name, Topaz is very rare, used for its connotations of brilliance and luxury.

“Maverick” originally refers to an unbranded calf that wanders free, and by extension it means an independent-minded person who doesn’t go along with the group. The name conveys bold individuality, nonconformity, and a free spirit that charts its own course. It’s become a modern term for someone with a bit of a rebel streak.

Maverick comes from the surname of Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texas rancher known for not branding his calves. By the late 1800s, it entered American slang for an independent person. It became a first name in the 20th century, especially after the 1986 film Top Gun featured a pilot with the call sign Maverick.

“Nomad” describes a wanderer—someone (or a group) that roams from place to place without a fixed home, often following seasonal routes. The term evokes images of open landscapes, self-reliance, and a life of perpetual journey. It suggests freedom of movement and adaptability to changing environments.

Nomad comes from Latin nomas (from Greek, meaning “roaming, roaming to find pasture”), and it’s been used in English since the 16th–17th century to denote people who don’t settle permanently. As a name, Nomad is extremely rare and modern, chosen to emphasize a life of wandering freedom.

“Azad” means “free” or “liberated” in Persian and other related languages. It denotes one who is independent and not bound by servitude or constraint. The name carries a proud sense of liberty and self-determination, resonating with historical and cultural ideals of freedom.

Azad is a Persian word meaning “free” (as in liberty). It has been used as a given name and honorific in Persian, Kurdish, and South Asian contexts for centuries, signifying a person’s free status. As a name choice, it immediately evokes the concept of freedom and has cultural depth in regions around Afghanistan.

“Bandit” refers to an outlaw or robber, someone who lives by their own rules often outside the law. The term conjures a mischievous, daring character—perhaps masked and light-footed—always looking for the next opportunity. It has a playful ring in modern use, often used affectionately for pets prone to sneaky antics.

Bandit comes from Italian bandito (meaning “banished,” hence an outlaw) and entered English in the 16th century. It commonly described highwaymen or robbers. As a pet name, Bandit became popular in the 20th century for animals that sport mask-like markings or have a knack for thievery, symbolizing playful mischief.

“Solo” means alone or unaccompanied. It implies singularity, doing something by oneself (like a solo performance). The word carries an aura of self-sufficiency and can also hint at a standout individual effort. It’s short, punchy, and universally understood across languages as a nod to solitude or independence.

Solo comes from Italian (from Latin solus, “alone”) and has been used in English since the 18th century to mean an unaccompanied piece or action. It’s occasionally used as a nickname or name, drawing on its straightforward meaning of one who stands alone.

“Zen” refers to a school of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition. In colloquial use, it denotes a state of calm attentiveness and enlightenment. Saying someone is “zen” suggests they are peaceful, present, and unfazed by external stresses. The word exudes tranquility, balance, and a bit of mystique.

Zen comes from the Japanese pronunciation of Chan (which in turn comes from Sanskrit dhyana, “meditation”). It entered English in the 20th century as a term for a peaceful, balanced outlook. As a name, Zen is modern and still uncommon, chosen for its spiritual connotations of calm and insight.

“Chase” means to pursue or hunt, typically with speed. As a noun, it can refer to a hunt or an act of chasing. The word is straightforward and energetic, evoking the thrill of rapid pursuit. It also doubles as a common given name, connoting eagerness and drive.

Chase comes from Old French chacier (to hunt) and has been in English since the Middle Ages as a verb and noun. It became a surname (e.g., for hunters) and eventually a given name. In the context of a pet’s name, it plays on the verb, highlighting a love of pursuit.

“Arrow” is a projectile shot from a bow, characterized by its pointed tip and swift, straight flight. The word denotes speed, directness, and purpose. Arrows are symbols of focused energy and aim, cutting through the air unerring towards their target.

Arrow comes from Old English arwe (influenced by Old Norse ör), meaning the projectile shot from a bow. It’s been used in English for over a thousand years. As a modern given name or pet name, Arrow is uncommon but growing in use, chosen for its connotations of speed and direction.

“Archer” literally means a bowman—one who shoots arrows. It calls to mind medieval marksmen or anyone skilled in archery. The name implies precision, focus, and patience, as archers must concentrate to hit their target. It has a strong, straightforward feel, grounded in an ancient martial skill.

Archer comes from Old French archier, from Latin arcarius (from arcus, “bow”). It’s been an English surname and word since Norman times, meaning a bowman. As a first name, Archer has risen in use in English-speaking countries in the 21st century, chosen for its occupational charm and bold sound.

“Blaze” refers to a bright flame or a sudden burst of fire. It also means to burn fiercely or to move rapidly (as in “blazing a trail”). The word radiates energy, intensity, and brilliance. It suggests something flashy and fast, leaving a vivid impression in its wake.

Blaze comes from Old English blæse (torch) and has meant fire or flame since the 17th century. As a given name or nickname, Blaze (or Blaise) has popped up in English with various spellings, but as a pet name it surged in the late 20th century, chosen for its fiery connotations and cool factor.

“Dash” means to run or move quickly and suddenly. It also carries the sense of panache or flair (as in “dashing”). As a noun, a dash is a small amount or a punctuation mark, but as a name it’s about energetic movement. The word itself sounds swift and brief, mirroring its meaning.

Dash has been an English word since the 14th century (from Middle English daschen), initially meaning to strike or smash, later to rush. It became a casual given name or nickname (often for Charles, via “Chas” to “Dash”) in the 19th century. As a pet name, its popularity stems from the sense of spirited quickness.

“Shikari” means “hunter” in Hindi/Urdu and other languages of the Indian subcontinent. It directly conveys the idea of one who hunts. The word carries with it the dust of the plains and forests of colonial-era hunts, as well as the thrill of tracking game. It’s an active term, rooted in tradition and skill.

Shikari comes from the Urdu/Persian word shikar, meaning “hunt,” plus an agentive suffix -i, literally “hunter.” It was adopted into English during the British colonial period in South Asia to describe native professional hunters or guides. It’s seldom used as a name, but when it is, it unmistakably labels the bearer as a hunter.

“Nimrod” is a biblical figure described as a mighty hunter and king. Over time, the name became synonymous with a skilled hunter. It conveys the image of someone powerful, perhaps a bit unruly, who is supreme in the field of the hunt. (Note: colloquially, it took on a joking connotation in modern American English due to Bugs Bunny using it ironically, but its original meaning is valorous.)

Nimrod appears in the Bible (Genesis 10) as a descendant of Noah known as “a mighty hunter before the Lord.” The name’s origin is unclear but possibly Mesopotamian. It became an epithet for skilled hunters. In mid-20th-century American slang, “nimrod” ironically came to mean a fool (thanks to a Bugs Bunny joke). However, many still recognize its original heroic connotation, making it an intriguing, layered choice of name.

“Sirius” is the brightest star in the night sky, often called the Dog Star, located in the constellation Canis Major. The name means “scorcher” in Greek, referencing its brilliance. It represents luminosity, guidance (as it was important in ancient navigation), and a bit of canine cosmic lore given its nickname and place in myth.

Sirius comes from Greek seirios (“glowing” or “scorching”). It’s been used to refer to the brightest star since antiquity (integral to Egyptian and Greek calendars and myths). As a name, it’s rare but recognized, carrying the weight of astronomy and legend (like the Harry Potter character).

“Cosmo” stems from the Greek word kosmos, meaning “order” or “universe.” It suggests the vastness of space or a harmonious order of the world. In everyday use, it also carries a playful, upbeat vibe (possibly due to characters like Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld). The name balances cosmic grandness with a quirky, friendly sound.

Cosmo comes from Greek kosmos (“order, world, universe”). It became a given name via saints like Cosmas and through Italian influence (Cosimo). In English-speaking areas, it’s rare but not unheard of (Cosmo was a 19th-century fad among upper crust families). It suggests both the cosmic and the sophisticated (as in “cosmopolitan”).

“Altair” is the name of a star, the brightest in the constellation Aquila. The name comes from Arabic, meaning “the flying eagle.” It represents swiftness and the majesty of the eagle in the heavens. Altair has a crisp, adventurous sound, carrying the mystique of the night sky and ancient star-gazers.

Altair is derived from the Arabic phrase al-nasr al-tair, “the flying eagle.” It’s been known in Western astronomy by that name (Altair) since medieval times. While very rare as a given name, it has seen occasional use due to its exotic sound and connection to the stars. It signifies swiftness and elevation.

“Apollo” is a Greek god associated with the sun, music, and prophecy, among other domains. The name has come to represent someone who is godlike in beauty or talent. It radiates a sense of strength, enlightenment (as Apollo brings the day), and artistic grace. Apollo as a concept blends power with refinement.

Apollo’s exact origin is uncertain, possibly pre-Greek, but it was borne by one of the chief deities of the Greek and Roman pantheons. The name entered common usage in the Western world through art and literature (and modern events like the Apollo moon missions). As a dog’s name, it connotes commanding beauty and brilliance.

“Fabio” is an Italian given name, derived from Fabius, meaning “bean grower” (a humble origin belying its glamorous connotation today). In pop culture, Fabio is synonymous with the handsome, long-haired model who graced countless romance novel covers. Thus, the name conjures images of flowing hair, chiseled features, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek vanity.

Fabio is the Italian form of Fabian, historically meaning “bean farmer” (from Latin Fabius). It became internationally famous as the mononym of Fabio Lanzoni, a model/actor icon of 1980s-90s romance imagery. Using it for a pet highlights appearance and charm, often with a wink at its pop culture legacy.

“Enigma” means a puzzle or riddle—something or someone that is difficult to understand. The word implies complexity, secrecy, and a challenge to observers who try to figure it out. It carries a certain intellectual weight, as enigmas invite deep contemplation to unravel their true nature.

Enigma comes from Greek ainigma, via Latin, meaning “riddle.” It’s been used in English since the 16th century to denote something baffling. As a personal name, it’s extremely rare, typically used for its literal meaning to highlight an inscrutable character.

“Dervish” refers to a member of a Sufi Muslim ascetic order, many of whom practice whirling dances and vigorous rituals to reach a state of religious ecstasy (hence the term “whirling dervish”). The word brings to mind frenetic spinning energy and also a spiritual, ascetic detachment from the material world. It’s an intriguing blend of wild motion and deep calm in devotion.

Dervish comes from the Persian darvīsh, meaning “poor” (as in one who has taken a vow of poverty). It entered English in the 19th century, popularized during writings on the Middle East. As a name, it’s very uncommon, usually chosen to emphasize energetic spinning or cultural connection to Sufi traditions.

“Jester” was a professional fool or clown in medieval courts, employed to entertain with jokes, music, and acrobatics. The term now denotes someone who is witty or doesn’t take things seriously, often the comedian of the group. It brings to mind bright motley clothes, capering antics, and a sharp, playful wit hidden behind buffoonery.

Jester comes from Middle English gestour/jestour (a storyteller or minstrel), evolving to mean the professional fool. It’s been in use since the 16th century for court clowns. As a name, it’s seldom used, but when it is, it’s usually in a playful context highlighting humor and mischief.

“Ghost” is the spirit or soul of a dead person, often imagined as a pale, translucent figure. The word evokes mystery, the supernatural, and things that are felt but not always seen. Ghosts are elusive and can appear or vanish in an instant. Colloquially, “to ghost” also means to disappear suddenly or without explanation.

Ghost comes from Old English gāst (spirit, soul) and has been used for specters since the 14th century. As a pet name, it has grown in popularity in recent years (notably due to a famous fictional white wolf). It implies a pale appearance or elusive nature.

“Sphinx” refers to the ancient mythical creature with a lion’s body and a human head, most famous from Egyptian and Greek mythology. The Great Sphinx of Giza embodies inscrutable calm and grandeur. The word “sphinx” often symbolizes a mysterious being that poses riddles (from the Greek tradition) or silently guards secrets. It implies something both regal and puzzling.

Sphinx comes from Greek (sphiggein, “to bind/tighten,” possibly referring to the creature’s strangling method in myth). It became associated with the famous Egyptian statues. In English, it’s been used since the 15th century. It’s extremely rare as a personal name, chosen to denote enigma and majesty.

“Tazi” is the traditional local name for the Afghan Hound, roughly translating to a swift coursing hound. It embodies the heritage of Central Asian sighthounds, conjuring the image of a fleet-footed desert hunter. The name implies speed, agility, and a noble hunting role passed down through generations.

Tazi derives from the Dari Persian phrase “Sag-e Tazi,” which translates as “swift dog” (sometimes interpreted as “Arabian hound”). It has long been the local word for Afghan-type sighthounds, emphasizing their quickness and desert heritage.

“Lapis” alludes to lapis lazuli, a deep-blue semi-precious stone treasured for millennia. This gemstone’s intense azure color symbolizes the sky, wisdom, and royalty in many cultures. The name exudes a sense of rarity, richness, and ancient beauty—much like a precious jewel pulled from the earth.

Lapis is the Latin word for “stone” (as in lapis lazuli, “blue stone”). The gemstone lapis lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan since antiquity. As a name, Lapis invokes the stone’s historic prestige and vivid beauty.