The name Milan is believed to have originated from the Slavic word "mil," meaning "gracious" or "favored." Its roots can be traced back to the Slavic tribes that inhabited the regions of modern-day Central and Eastern Europe during the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Milan can be found in the Gesta Hungarorum, a 13th-century Latin chronicle that recounts the history of the Hungarian people. The chronicle mentions a Hungarian chieftain named Milan who lived in the 9th century.

In the 14th century, Milan became a popular name among the ruling dynasties of the Balkan region. One notable figure was Milan Obrenović, the Prince of Serbia from 1839 to 1842 and again from 1860 to 1868.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained popularity in Italy, particularly in the city of Milan. One of the most famous Milans from this era was Milan Kunderas, a Serbian-born novelist and philosopher (1929-2019) who wrote works such as "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting."

In the 20th century, the name Milan became more widely used across various cultures and regions. One of the most prominent figures was Milan Kundera, a Czech-born writer and philosopher (1929-present), whose novels explored themes of human existence and the complexities of modern life.

Another notable Milan was Milan Rastislav Štefánik (1880-1919), a Slovak astronomer, diplomat, and co-founder of Czechoslovakia. He played a crucial role in the creation of the independent Czechoslovak state after World War I.

In the realm of sports, Milan Tiff (1927-2017) was a Serbian footballer who played as a striker for Red Star Belgrade and the Yugoslav national team in the 1950s. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Yugoslav football.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Milan throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and cultural significance across various regions and time periods.