Baloch is a Persian word

Baloch is a Persian word, which, in addition to its use as a proper name, means,

as explained in the Burhan-i-Qati’ and other dictionaries, a cockscomb or crest. It
seems possible that the proper name was originally a nickname derived from the
use of such a crest or badge; many tribal names are uncomplimentary nicknames,
like our Whig and Tory, and others applied to religious sects. A passage in the
‘Shahnama’ affords some support to this theory. In the enumeration of the
warriors of Ka Khusran’s army, the poet comes to the Baloch led by Ashkash

‘Intent on war, with exalted cockscomb crests.

1 This may be considered as

evidence that in the traditions or poems made use of by Firdausi the Baloches
were represented as wearing such crests, and as the words ‘Baloch’ and ‘Khoch’
have the same meaning, it seems that Baloch must be a nickname.