Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi is an Arabic and Turkish name, written in a unique style. It is a continuation of the Arabic name Muhammad Salah. The latter is derived from the Arabic word salaam, which means peace, while the former is derived from the word ayubi, meaning "my father". The name, which was originally a title, has been given to several people. One of them is the founder of the Ottoman Empire, who is also called Salahuddin Ayubi.

Salahuddin Ayubi was a leader of the Kayi tribe of the Oghuz Turks. When the Mongol invasion approached in 1258, he and his tribe were forced to flee to the north of the Bagan palace complex.