It comes from an idea that ancient human tribes, took their names from the non-human beings they were possibly interacting with in the past! The Hopi in North America, which means "peaceful little ones", and the Saka from the Himalayas/central Asia. If you look at ancient treasure of the Saka tribes you can see that their deities are in fact non human! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MenWithDragons.jpg
For the Saka Dragon worship is a clue for me to a possible reptilian connection and some of the ancient clothing, to me seems to suggest non-human origin. Look at the scaling detail on the royal uniform here and pointy hats. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Issyk_Golden_Cataphract_Warrior.jpg
I think there is a difference between the green naga legends, and the blue/gold kind.
Does the word Saka resonate with you Alisa?