The name Elan is believed to have originated from Hebrew, where it means "oak tree" or "strong and resilient." It is a popular name in Jewish culture and has been in use for centuries.

The earliest known reference to the name Elan can be found in the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as a place name in the Book of Numbers. This suggests that the name was in use among the ancient Israelites as early as the 13th century BCE.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Elan was Elan ben Shachar, a Jewish scholar who lived in the 9th century CE in present-day Iraq. He was known for his expertise in the Talmud and Jewish law.

In the Middle Ages, the name Elan was also used by some Christian communities, particularly in France and England. One notable person with this name was Elan de Wolfe, a Norman knight who served under William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.

During the Renaissance period, the name Elan gained popularity among Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal. One famous individual with this name was Elan Abravanel, a Jewish philosopher and statesman who lived in the 15th century. He served as a diplomat and advisor to several Spanish kings and queens.

In more recent times, the name Elan has been used across different cultures and regions, although it remains particularly popular among Jewish communities. Some notable individuals with this name include Elan Steinberg, an American writer and human rights activist who fought for the rights of Holocaust survivors (1939-2012), and Elan Mastai, a Canadian novelist and screenwriter known for his work on films like "The F Word" (born in 1973).

Overall, the name Elan has a rich history that spans centuries and cultures, with its roots firmly grounded in the Hebrew language and Jewish tradition. Its meaning of strength and resilience has likely contributed to its enduring popularity across generations.