'baloch' originates from Balochi and Persian, specifically the word 'Bāloch' in those languages, where the exact original root is uncertain.

'baloch' changed from medieval Persian/Balochi forms such as 'Balōč' and entered English (via travel accounts and regional naming) as 'Baloch'.

Initially used to identify particular tribes or groups in the region; over time it remained the ethnonym and extended to denote the related language and regional identity.