How Afghanistan Got Its Name: Theories and Legends

“Afghan” Ethnonym Theories

• Apagana/Afghanan – Cited by Greek geographers (Strabo, Ptolemy) for tribes in the region.
• Abgan/Avagan – 6th‑century BCE people linked to the name.

Old Iranian Etymology

Some scholars combine Ariyanem Vaejah (“Aryan Expanse”) and Vohu‑Kshashathra (“Good Rule”) from Avestan/Zoroastrian texts.

Sanskrit/Persian Influences

Historical chronicles in Sanskrit and Persian used variants like Afghān for rulers, tribes, or territories.

Folklore

Legends attribute the name to a mythical king “Afghan” or a tribal patriarch.

The exact origin remains debated, blending linguistics, history, and myth.