It's post-USSR name and means just "capital city" in Kazakh language. Satan in Kazakh language is "Shaytan".
But, previous name of this town, since foundation was Akmola which means literally "white grave". :)
There is really a grave of some ancient Kazakh ruler in that place, but when new Kazakhstan authorities decided to move their capital from Alma-ata, they was afraid and uncomfortable Akmola name and renamed it just Astana.
It's post-USSR name and means just "capital city" in Kazakh language. Satan in Kazakh language is "Shaytan".
But, previous name of this town, since foundation was Akmola which means literally "white grave". :)
There is really a grave of some ancient Kazakh ruler in that place, but when new Kazakhstan authorities decided to move their capital from Alma-ata, they was afraid and uncomfortable Akmola name and renamed it just Astana.