'Sahib' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'ṣāḥib', where 'ṣāḥib' meant 'companion' or 'friend'.

'ṣāḥib' was adopted into Hindi and Urdu as 'Sahib', and eventually became a term used in English during the British colonial period in India.

Initially, it meant 'companion' or 'friend', but over time it evolved into a respectful title for men, especially in colonial contexts.