The original native Armenian name for the country was  (''''); however, it is currently rarely used. The contemporary name  (''Hayastan'') became popular in the Middle Ages by addition of the Persian suffix ''-stan'' (place).. However the origins of the name Hayastan trace back to much earlier dates and were first attested in circa 5th century in the works of Agathangelos, Faustus of Byzantium, Ghazar Parpetsi, Koryun, and Sebeos.