Lathan
A surname most likely linked to an old Celtic form meaning “broad” or “wide,” though the historical evidence is thin.
The #9,134 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 86,362 Americans shares it.
Etymology
The Cornish source points Lathan to Leathan, suggesting a Celtic root related to the idea of breadth or wideness. It may ultimately connect with forms like Welsh lleithan or a similar Gaelic/Welsh adjective meaning “broad.” Because the excerpt is a cross-reference rather than a full explanation, the exact pathway into the surname is not fully secure.
History
This looks like a rare surname that survived in a relatively small number of families rather than becoming widespread. In English-language records it may also reflect spelling variation and Anglicization of an older Celtic name form. The 2010 U.S. census count shows it remains uncommon but still extant.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The old Celtic root behind this name is the same kind of word family that often produced bynames for someone broad-shouldered or for a place with a wide feature.
From the historical record
“LATE. See Laity. LATHAN. See Leathan. LAUELIS. See Levelis. LAUNCE. See Lance. LAUNDRY. See Landrey. LEATHAN. This name may have been originally Ty- leathan or Boleathan ; from ty-laiUan, or bo-lait-an^ both of”
— Patronymica Cornu-Britannica; or, the etymology of Cornish surnames