An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Chameleon. A small inconspicuous → constellation in the southern hemisphere near → Crux, lying at approximate position: R.A. 11 h, Dec. -80°. Abbreviation: Cha; genitive form: Chamaeleonis;

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. chaméléon, from L. chamaeleon, from Gk. khamaileon, from khamai “on the ground”
(akin to chthon “earth;” cf. Av. zam- “the earth,” Mid.Pers. zamig, Mod.Pers. zami, zamin “the earth,” Skt. ksam, L. homo “earthly being” and humus “the earth,” PIE *dh(e)ghom “earth”)

• leon “lion.”

Etymology (PE): Âftâbparast “chameleon,” literally “sun adorer,” from âftâb “Sun, sunlight” + parast “worshipper,”