For Armenians, the word Hayastan carries far more than the idea of geography. It is the real name of the nation, rooted in history, language, and myth. While much of the world knows the country as Armenia, Armenians themselves call their homeland Hayastan (Հայաստան) — a name that reaches back to the legendary forefather Hayk Nahapet and the Haykazuni dynasty.
This page explores the meaning of Hayastan, why Armenians call themselves Hay, and how the two names — Armenia and Hayastan — developed side by side.
What Does Hayastan Mean?
The name Hayastan is derived from “Hay” (Հայ), the self-designation of the Armenian people, combined with the Persian suffix “-stan”, meaning land or place of. Thus, Hayastan literally means “the land of the Hays,” or “the land of Armenians.”
This native name reflects how Armenians understand themselves: not through an outside label, but through the identity of being Hay — descendants of Hayk, the mythical patriarch who defeated the Babylonian king Bel and led his people to freedom in the Armenian Highlands.
Armenia vs Hayastan: Why Two Names Exist
- Hayastan is the internal, native name. It is what Armenians call their country, their culture, and their people.
- Armenia, by contrast, is the external name, used in Greek, Latin, and later European sources. Scholars trace it to the ancient Urartian term Armina or to the Persian form Armen, referring to the region and its people.
Over time, “Armenia” became the global name, especially after classical historians like Herodotus and Strabo used it. Yet within the homeland and diaspora communities, Hayastan remained central to identity.
Who Are the Hay? Armenians Call Themselves Hay
Armenians do not traditionally call themselves “Armenians.” They say:
“Yes Hay em” – “I am a Hay.”
The word Hay is at the core of Armenian self-identity. It connects directly to Hayk Nahapet, the legendary patriarch. According to tradition preserved by historian Movses Khorenatsi, Hayk rebelled against the Babylonian tyrant Bel around 2500 BCE, won freedom in a decisive battle near Lake Van, and established the homeland of his people.
From Hayk came the word Hay, and from Hay came Hayastan.
Hayk Nahapet: The Forefather of the Armenian People
The story of Hayk Nahapet is more than myth; it is the cornerstone of Armenian national memory. Often compared to figures like Romulus for Rome or Abraham for Israel, Hayk represents both ancestry and resistance.
- He symbolizes the fight for independence.
- He anchors Armenians’ claim to their homeland.
- He gives his name to the people (Hay) and the land (Hayastan).
By tracing identity to Hayk, Armenians affirm that their history begins not with outsiders naming them, but with their own ancestral roots.
The Haykazuni Dynasty and the Origins of Hayastan
Following Hayk, Armenian tradition speaks of the Haykazuni dynasty, said to descend directly from him. While much of this early genealogy is legendary, it reflects how Armenians sought to root their kingship in ancient, heroic ancestry.
The Haykazuni lineage gave legitimacy to rulers and reinforced the idea that Hayastan was the eternal homeland of the Hays. In this sense, Hayastan is not just a name, but a dynastic and cultural inheritance.
Haykakan Identity: Language, Culture, and Heritage
The adjective Haykakan (Հայկական) means Armenian in Armenian. It is applied to everything from the Haykakan lezu (Armenian language) to Haykakan chartarapetutyun (Armenian architecture).
To call something Haykakan is to place it firmly in the context of Armenian heritage. Through this word, the meaning of Hayastan extends into every part of cultural life:
- Haykakan Bar – Armenian speech
- Haykakan Banak – Armenian army
- Haykakan Miutyun – Armenian unity
Thus, the Hay-rooted words form the backbone of identity, showing how deeply the concept of Hayastan runs.
The Origin of the Name Armenia in Contrast to Hayastan
While Armenians say Hayastan, foreigners came to use Armenia. Ancient inscriptions from the Persian Empire mention “Armina”, and Greek historians used Armenoi to describe the people.
The dual identity — Armenia abroad, Hayastan at home — has persisted for centuries. Today:
- Official international documents use Republic of Armenia.
- Within the Armenian language, the state is always Hayastani Hanrapetutyun (Republic of Hayastan).
This duality highlights both the global recognition of Armenia and the deep cultural meaning of Hayastan.
Conclusion: The Soul of Hayastan
To understand Hayastan is to see Armenia through Armenian eyes. It is more than a geographical term: it is ancestry, language, culture, and destiny.
- Hayastan = The Land of the Hays
- Hay = The people, descendants of Hayk
- Haykakan = All things Armenian
- Haykazuni = The dynastic roots of kingship
The world may know the nation as Armenia, but for its people, it will always be Hayastan — the eternal homeland of the Hays.
