The name Sloan has its origins in the Gaelic language, originating from Scotland and Ireland. It is derived from the Irish word "sluagh," which means "host" or "multitude," and the Scottish Gaelic word "sluan," meaning "army" or "battalion." This suggests that the name may have been used to refer to someone who was a leader or warrior in ancient times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sloan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. In this text, the name appears as "Sloane" in the 12th century, referring to a clan or family from County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Sloan. One of the earliest was John Sloan (1671-1726), an English-born colonial governor of New York and New Jersey in the early 18th century. Another prominent figure was John Sloan (1871-1951), an American painter and etcher who was a member of the Ashcan School and is known for his depictions of urban life in New York City.

In the literary world, John Sloan Dickey (1907-1991) was an American novelist and poet who served as the 14th president of Dartmouth College from 1945 to 1970. He was known for his work in promoting liberal arts education and his opposition to the Vietnam War.

The name Sloan has also been associated with scientific and technological advancements. Alfred P. Sloan Jr. (1875-1966) was an American businessman and philanthropist who served as the president and chairman of General Motors. He is credited with establishing the modern corporate structure and management practices that helped GM become one of the largest and most successful companies in the world.

Lastly, John Sloan Dickey (1923-2015), a distant relative of the aforementioned John Sloan Dickey, was an American diplomat and politician who served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from 1975 to 1977 and later as the president of Dartmouth College from 1970 to 1981.