Q: There are Afghanistan, Pakistan and other 'stans' in the area. What is the meaning or significance of 'stan' in a country’s name?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: There are Afghanistan, Pakistan and other "stans" in the area. What is the meaning or significance of "stan" in a country’s name?

— Roy Graham,
 Sandy Springs

A: The suffix “Stan” is an ancient Persian word meaning country, nation or domain, said Islamic law expert Jack F. Williams, managing director of BDO Consulting in Atlanta and a law professor at Georgia State University. The use of it in countries such as Afghanistan means that it is the country of, or the homeland of Afghans. Another example, Pakistan, was chosen to mean nation of the holy people, he said, as Pak is a Persian/Urdu word meaning holy. Several other counties in Asia also have "stan" as part of their names.

Q: How many American-born hockey players have gone directly from high school into the NHL?

— Scott MacLean,
 Forest Park

A: USA Hockey identifies four players. Bobby Carpenter of Massachusetts in 1981 was the first U.S. citizen to go straight from high school into the NHL when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the first round. The Buffalo Sabres took Phil Housley of Minnesota in 1982 and goalie Tom Barrasso of Massachusetts in 1983. That same year, Rhode Island’s Brian Lawton, current general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was chosen by the Minnesota North Stars.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).