Lelant

Lelant is a surname of Cornish origin. It is a locational name derived from the parish of Lelant, located in Cornwall, England. The name itself is derived from the Cornish words "Lan" meaning 'sacred enclosure' or 'church' and the personal name "Anta" or "Anton," suggesting "the church of Anta/Anton."

The parish of Lelant is situated on the Hayle estuary and has a long history, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. The church of St Uny in Lelant is a prominent landmark and likely the origin of the surname.

Surname variations include, but are not limited to, Lelan, Lelans, and Llant. Records of individuals bearing the name Lelant and its variants can be found in historical documents such as parish registers, census records, and wills, primarily in Cornwall and surrounding regions. The distribution of the name today remains largely concentrated in the UK, with smaller populations found in other parts of the world due to migration.