Show ContentsKelan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Kelan name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Kelan was originally derived from a family having lived in the now-lost settlement of Kelland Barton in the county of Devon. The surname Kelan belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Kelan family

The surname Kelan was first found in Devon where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Painsford in Asprington, some say before the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 A.D. Professor Seary of Newfoundland suggests that there was also a Kelland Barton in Devon but he has been unable to find it. This may have been a family tradition.

Early History of the Kelan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kelan research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1635, 1679, 1681, 1685, 1692 and 1712 are included under the topic Early Kelan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kelan Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Kelan include Kelland, Kellands, Kellan, Kellen, Keland, Kelan, Kelane, Kellane, Keeland, Kealand, Kellend and many more.

Early Notables of the Kelan family

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kelan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Kelan migration to the United States +

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants:

Kelan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Michael Kelan, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1848

Contemporary Notables of the name Kelan (post 1700) +

  • Kelan Luker (b. 1980), American former all state quarterback for the Stephenville, Texas Yellow Jackets


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