Lan

Lan is a name and term used in several languages and contexts. It can function as a personal name, especially in East and Southeast Asia, and as an acronym in technology.

In Vietnamese, Lan is a common female given name, often associated with the orchid. The name is widely used in Vietnamese communities and appears in various compound given names.

In Chinese contexts, Lan may be a surname or a given name, represented by characters such as 兰 (orchid) or 蓝 (blue). The surname Lan exists but is comparatively uncommon, while Lan is also used as a component in given names. The same pinyin spelling can reflect different characters and meanings depending on the language and tone.

In computing, LAN refers to local area network, a network that interconnects computers and devices within a limited area such as a home, school, or office. LANs typically use Ethernet or Wi‑Fi and enable resource sharing and Internet access. The term is almost always written in all caps as an acronym, though it may appear in informal text as lan.

As a cross-cultural given name, Lan can be used for different genders in various contexts, with usage shaped by local naming traditions and the choice of accompanying characters or syllables.

Lan is thus a multifaceted term with cultural significance as a personal name and surname, and practical significance as a networking term.