The tiger acquired its name from a complex etymology rooted in ancient languages. The English word "tiger" originates from Old French "tigre," itself derived from Latin "tigris," which came from the Greek τίγρις (tígris). The Greek word was likely borrowed from an Old Iranian source where "tigra" meant "sharp" or "pointed," and the Avestan word "tīghri" meant "arrow." This root conveys swiftness or sharpness, which inspired the name both for the animal and the Tigris river. The Sanskrit word "vyāghrá," meaning "tiger" and derived from "one who tracks by smell," is also considered an ultimate source influencing the word in Indo-Aryan languages. Thus, the tiger's name reflects its speed, sharpness, and tracking ability according to these ancient linguistic connections.
Additionally, regarding the historical figure known as the "Tiger King," the name was acquired by the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram because of a prophecy that he would be killed by a tiger. In defiance of this prophecy, he sought to kill one hundred tigers and earned the name "Tiger King" for his mission and success in killing many tigers. Ironically, he died due to a "tiger," but it was a wooden toy tiger, not a real one.
