Maenchen-Helfen also classified some names as having roots in Iranian. Christopher Atwood has argued, as one explanation for his proposed etymology of the name "Hun" that, "their state or confederation must be seen as the result of Sogdian/Baktrian [Iranian-speaking] leadership and organization". Subjects of the Huns included Iranian-speaking Alans and Sarmatians, Maenchen-Helfen argues that the Iranian names were likely borrowed from the Persians and finds none prior to the fifth century; he takes this to mean that the Alans had little influence inside of Attila's empire. Kim, however, argues for a considerable presence of Iranian-speakers among the Huns.