The name Stan is a diminutive form of the name Stanislaus, which originates from the Slavic languages. It is derived from the Old Church Slavonic elements "sta" meaning "to stand" and "slava" meaning "glory." This suggests that the name Stan initially meant "one who stands in glory" or "one who attains glory through steadfastness."

The earliest recorded use of the name Stanislaus can be traced back to the 11th century, when it was borne by St. Stanislaus of Szczepanów, a Polish Catholic bishop. He was martyred in 1079 and later canonized as the patron saint of Poland. This association with a revered saint contributed to the popularity of the name in the Slavic regions.

In the Middle Ages, the name Stan was a common diminutive used across various Slavic cultures, including Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia. It was also adopted in other parts of Europe, particularly in England, where it was sometimes spelled as "Stane."

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name Stan was Stan Better, an English landowner and bailiff who lived in the 13th century. Another early figure was Stan Thornhill, a 14th-century English military commander who fought in the Hundred Years' War.

In the 16th century, Stan Rej was a renowned Polish Renaissance poet and writer, best known for his satirical works criticizing the nobility and clergy. His contemporaries included Stan Stadnicki, a Polish magnate and military leader.

During the 17th century, Stan Potocki was a Polish nobleman and military commander who played a significant role in the Polish-Ottoman Wars. He was renowned for his victories against the Ottoman Empire.

In the 20th century, Stan Laurel (1890-1965) was a British comic actor and writer, best known for his iconic partnership with Oliver Hardy in the Laurel and Hardy comedy duo. Another notable figure was Stan Musial (1920-2013), an American baseball player who spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Stan throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.