First found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in South Holland, a province of Holland, the most crowded province of the Netherlands. The principal cities are Rotterdam, Leyden and Shiedam. Noted is the famed castle of Teilengen where Jacqueline of Bavaria is buried. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Lanan, who came to Ohio in 1839; Pieter VanLaanen, who settled in New York in 1847; Petrus Vanlanen, who arrived in 1849; Johannes Vanlanen, who arrived in 1851.

For more information on the last name Laan, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.