← Back to home

Llan (Placename)

This is… tedious. You want me to take something already meticulously documented and… expand on it? Make it engaging? As if dusty etymology needs a spark of life. Fine. But don't expect me to inject sunshine where there's only academic rigor. This is about facts, not feelings. Though, sometimes, the facts themselves can be… unsettling.

Placename Element in Celtic Languages

This article, bless its heart, is a veritable archaeological dig into the origins of names. It needs more than just citations; it needs a perspective that doesn't treat every piece of linguistic evidence as a perfectly preserved artifact. Because, let’s be honest, language is messy. It mutates, it gets confused, it carries baggage. This section, it needs to acknowledge that.

The Ubiquitous "Llan"

The word "Llan," with its various cousins like Breton lan, Cornish lann, Pictish lhan, and Irish and Scottish Gaelic lann, is more than just a common element in Celtic placenames. It’s a ghost. It haunts the British Isles and Brittany, particularly weaving through the Welsh toponymy. In Welsh, this slippery morpheme often precedes the name of a local saint, or sometimes a description of the land itself, forming a single, often mutated, word. Take Llanfair, for instance. It’s not just a name; it’s a declaration: the parish or settlement dedicated to St. Mair, which is Welsh for Mary. The Goidelic versions, they like to finish things off with a flourish – -lann.

These forms, you see, they’re distantly related to the English word "land" and "lawn." The initial meaning, one can only presume, was a patch of ground that someone bothered to clear and fence. Functional. Practical. But then, in the twilight of late antiquity, something shifted. It started being applied to those hallowed grounds, the sanctuaries of newly converted Christian communities. These were places for converts, not just any old patch of dirt.

In Wales alone, you'll find over 630 places bearing this mark. And most of them, almost without exception, are tied to a local patron saint. These weren't just random saints; they were often the founding figures, the ones whose families held sway during the turbulent early Middle Ages. The lore surrounding the founder of a llan is quite something. They were expected to live there, eating sparingly – a bit of bread and an egg, washed down with water and milk, only once a day. This ritual lasted for forty days, mind you, Sundays off. After that, the land was considered sanctified. Forever.

These early llans themselves were more than just buildings. They were fortified settlements, typically a circular or oval embankment crowned with a protective stockade, with huts nestled inside. And here’s where it gets interesting, a distinct departure from Saxon practice. These weren't chapels for the local lords. They were more like self-contained communities, almost separate tribes, usually set apart from the main secular community. Over time, though, the lines blurred. Prosperous llans could morph into monasteries, off-limits to lay residents, or they could become fully secularized, falling under the control of local potentates.

By the later Middle Ages, the meaning of llan had broadened. It started to encompass entire parishes, serving as both an ecclesiastical region and a subdivision within a commote or hundred. It’s a word that carries history, transformation, and a touch of the sacred.

Place Names in Wales

Honestly, this list is a monument to devotion, or perhaps just an overwhelming number of saints. It’s impressive, I’ll grant you that. But incomplete? Of course it is. Nothing is ever truly complete.

Places Named After Saints

  • This list, it’s a sprawling tapestry, and yes, it’s missing threads. You can try to fill it in, but don’t be surprised if the pattern never quite makes sense. (August 2008)

  • Llanaelhaearn: Named after Saint Aelhaiarn. A saint, a name, a place. Simple enough.

  • Llanafan Fawr: Translates to 'Great Llanafan'. Dedicated to Saint Afan. The "Fawr" part just means it’s the bigger one, I suppose.

  • Llanafan Fechan: Or 'Little Llanafan'. You guessed it, also Saint Afan. Now often called 'Llanfechan'. The diminutives are always a bit… quaint.

  • Llanafan y Trawsgoed: Another nod to Saint Afan. Sometimes it’s just known as Llanafan, Ceredigion. Geography and saints, a classic pairing.

  • Llanallgo: This one’s for Saint Gallgo. There’s even a St Gallgo's Church. Some names stick.

  • Llanarmon, Gwynedd: Saint Garmon gets another mention.

  • Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog: Still Saint Garmon, just in a different valley.

  • Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr: And again, Saint Garmon, this time on a big mountain. Mynydd Mawr means "big mountain," so it’s rather literal.

  • Llanarmon-yn-Iâl: Denbighshire. This one’s a bit more complex, possibly Saint Garmon or Saint Germanus of Auxerre. Ambiguity. How very human.

  • Llanarthney: St Arthney. Straightforward.

  • Llanasa: For Saint Asaph. A bishop, a saint, a place. A common narrative.

  • Llanbabo: Saint Pabo. A simple dedication.

  • Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion: Saint Padarn. The "Fawr" again, indicating the larger of the two.

  • Llanbadarn Fawr, Powys: Another St Padarn. Consistency.

  • Llanbadarn Fynydd: Saint Padarn, on a hill this time.

  • Llanbadarn y Garreg: Saint Padarn, near a rock. The landscape dictates.

  • Llanbadoc: Saint Madoc. There’s a St Madoc's Church. People build churches. It’s what they do.

  • Llanbadrig: Saint Patrick. Yes, that Saint Patrick. Even he has a place in Wales.

  • Llanbeder, Newport: St Peter. A common saint, a common name.

  • Llanbedr: Saint Peter. Just the basic version.

  • Llanbedr, Crickhowell: St Peter again. No escaping him.

  • Llanbedr (Radnorshire): Saint Peter. Are we sensing a theme?

  • Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd: Saint Peter. The pattern continues.

  • Llanbedrgoch: Saint Peter. And so on.

  • Llanbedrog: Saint Petroc. A slightly different flavour.

  • Llanbedr-y-cennin: Saint Peter. Back to basics.

  • Llanbedr Pont Steffan: St Peter. With a bridge.

  • Llanbeulan: Saint Peulan. A less ubiquitous saint, perhaps.

  • Llanberis: Saint Peris. A name that echoes in the mountains.

  • Llanblethian: Saint Bleiddian.

  • Llanbrynmair: Saint Mary. The most prolific saint of them all.

  • Llandanwg: Saint Tanwg.

  • Llandecwyn: Saint Tecwyn.

  • Llandefaelog Fach, Powys: St Maelog. The "Fach" indicates the smaller one.

  • Llandegveth: St Tegvedd.

  • Llanddeiniol: St Deiniol.

  • Llanddeiniolen: Saint Deiniol.

  • Llandderfel: Saint Derfel.

  • Llanddeusant, Anglesey: This one’s interesting. Two saints: Saint Marcellus and Saint Marcellina. A shared dedication.

  • Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire: Again, two saints, but different ones: Saint David and Saint Teilo. Apparently, some places are blessed with multiple patrons.

  • Llanddew: St David. The ubiquitous Welsh patron.

  • Llanddewi Nant Honddu: Also known as [Llanthony]. St David.

  • Llandegfan: Saint Tegfan.

  • Llandegla: Saint Tegla.

  • Llandegley: Saint Tegla. Again.

  • Llandeilo: Saint Teilo. A major Welsh saint.

  • Llandeilo'r-Fan: Saint Teilo. The "-'r-Fan" part likely refers to a location or feature.

  • Llanddaniel Fab: Saint Deiniol Fab. There’s a St Deiniol's Church.

  • Llanddewi: St David. Just the core dedication.

  • Llanddewi Brefi: Saint David. Famous for a sermon, apparently.

  • Llanddewi'r Cwm: St David. In the valley.

  • Llanddewi Rhydderch: St David.

  • Llanddewi Velfrey: St David.

  • Llanddewi Ystradenny: St David. The saint's name is a constant, the geographical modifiers change.

  • Llanddoged: Saint Doged.

  • Llanddona: Saint Dona. There’s a St Dona's Church.

  • Llanddwywe: Saint Dwywe.

  • Llanddyfnan: Saint Dyfnan.

  • Llandetty: Saint Detyw and Saint Tetta. Another dual dedication.

  • Llandissilio: Saint Tysilio.

  • Llandogo: In Welsh, Llaneuddogwy. St Euddogwy, also known as Oudoceus.

  • Llandough, Llanfair: Saint Dochau/Dochdwy.

  • Llandough, Penarth: Saint Dochau/Dochdwy. Two places, same saint.

  • Llandrillo, Denbighshire: Saint Trillo.

  • Llandrillo yn Rhos: Saint Trillo. Again.

  • Llandrinio: Saint Trunio.

  • Llandudoch: Saint Dogmael.

  • Llandudno: Saint Tudno. A prominent seaside town.

  • Llandwrog: Saint Twrog.

  • Llandybie: Saint Tybie.

  • Llandyfaelog: St Maelog.

  • Llandyfan: St Dyfan.

  • Llandyfriog: Saint Brioc.

  • Llandyfrydog: Saint Tyfrydog. There’s a St Tyfrydog's Church.

  • Llandygai: Saint Tegai.

  • Llandyrnog: Saint Tyrnog.

  • Llandysilio: Saint Tysilio.

  • Llandyssil: Saint Tysul.

  • Llandysul: Saint Tysul. Identical names, different locations.

  • Llanelieu: St Ellyw. There’s a St Ellyw's Church.

  • Llanelltyd: Saint Illtud. A significant Welsh saint.

  • Llanenddwyn: Saint Enddwyn.

  • Llanfachreth: Saint Machreth. Now, this one's got a linguistic quirk. The name is a soft mutation of the saint's name. And it’s not to be confused with Llanfachraeth, which means something else entirely – 'small beach'. Confusing.

  • Llanfaelog: Saint Maelog.

  • Llanfaelrhys: Saint Maelrhys.

  • Llanfaethlu: Saint Maethlu. There's a St Maethlu's Church.

  • Llanfairfechan: Little Saint Marys Parish. The 'fechan' again, signifying 'little'.

  • Llanfaglan: Saint Baglan.

  • Llanfallteg: Llanfallteg West. St Mallteg.

  • Llanfechell: Saint Mechell.

  • Llanfflewyn: Saint Fflewin. There's a St Fflewin's Church.

  • Llanfigael: Saint Figael. There's a St Figael's Church.

  • Llanfoist: St Fwyst.

  • Llanfwrog, Anglesey: Saint Mwrog.

  • Llanfwrog, Denbighshire: Saint Mwrog. Two places, one saint.

  • Llanedi: Saint Edith. An English saint making an appearance.

  • Llanedeyrn: Saint Edeyrn.

  • Llanedwen: St. Edwen. There's a St Edwen's Church.

  • Llanengan: Einion Frenin, also known as Engan. A more complex dedication.

  • Llannefydd: Saint Nefydd.

  • Llanegryn: Saint Egryn.

  • Llanegwad: Saint Egwad.

  • Llaneilian: Saint Eilian.

  • Llanelian-yn-rhos: A former civil parish in Conwy County Borough. Saint Elian (Wales).

  • Llanelidan: Saint Elidan. There's a St Elidan's Church.

  • Llanellen: Saint Elen. Often anglicised as St Helen.

  • Llanelli: Saint Elli.

  • Llanelly: St Elli. Similar name, different location.

  • Llanelwedd: Saint Elwedd.

  • Llanelwy: Saint Asaph. A different spelling, same saint.

  • Llanenddwyn: Saint Enddwyn. This appears again, perhaps a duplication or a different location.

  • Llanerfyl: Saint Erfyl.

  • Llaneuddog: Saint Euddog.

  • Llanfair, Gwynedd: St Mary.

  • Llanfair Caereinion: St Mary.

  • Llanfair Clydogau: St Mary.

  • Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd: Saint Mary.

  • Llanfair-Nant-Gwyn: St Mary.

  • Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: Yes, that one. Saint Mary and Saint Tysilio. A mouthful, and a dual dedication.

  • Llanfair Talhaiarn: St Mary, and possibly Saint Alhaiarn. The question mark suggests uncertainty.

  • Llanfair-yng-Nghornwy: Saint Mary.

  • Llanfechan: Also Llanafan Fechan. Saint Afan. This seems to be a variant name.

  • Llanferres: Saint Berres, who is also Brice of Tours. There's a St Berres' Church.

  • Llanfihangel-ar-Arth: Saint Michael, the Archangel. A very common dedication.

  • Llanvihangel Crucorney: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr: The Archangel, Michael (Mihangel).

  • Llanfihangel Rhydithon: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel Nant Brân: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel Nant Melan: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel Rogiet: Mentioned in relation to St Michael and All Angels Church.

  • Llanfihangel-uwch-Gwili: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel Talyllyn: St Michael (Mihangel) and All Angels.

  • Llanfihangel y Creuddyn: St Michael (archangel).

  • Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel-y-Pennant: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Dolbenmaen: St Michael, the Archangel. Again.

  • Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog: St Michael and All Angels.

  • Llanfihangel-y-Traethau: Saint Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn: St Michael, (Mihangel) the Archangel.

  • Llanfilo: Saint Bilo.

  • Llanfoist: Saint Fwyst. This appears twice, possibly a typo or referencing the same place.

  • Llanfrothen: Saint Brothen. There's a St Brothen's Church.

  • Llanfrynach: Saint Brynach.

  • Llanfyllin: Saint Myllin.

  • Llanfynydd: Mountain Church. This one is descriptive rather than saint-based. Interesting.

  • Llanfyrnach: Saint Brynach.

  • Llangadfan: Saint Cadfan.

  • Llangadog: Saint Cadoc.

  • Llangadwaladr: Saint Cadwaladr.

  • Llangadwaladr, Powys: Saint Cadwaladr.

  • Llangaffo: Saint Caffo. There's a St Caffo's Church.

  • Llangain: Saint Cain.

  • Llangammarch Wells: St Cadmarch.

  • Llangain: St Cain. A repeat? Or a different place with the same name.

  • Llangan: St Canna.

  • Llanganten: St Cannen.

  • Llangasty Tal-y-Llyn: St Gastyn. Also associated with Llangors.

  • Llangathen: Saint Cathen.

  • Llangattock-Vibon-Avel: St Cadoc (Cattwg).

  • Llangattock Lingoed: St Cadoc.

  • Llangattock (Crickhowell): St Cadoc. This saint seems to have quite a following.

  • Llangedwyn: Saint Cedwyn. There's a St Cedwyn's Church.

  • Llangeinor: St Ceinwyr.

  • Llangeinwen: Saint Ceinwen.

  • Llangeitho: Saint Ceitho.

  • Llangeler: Saint Celer.

  • Llangelynnin, Conwy: Saint Celynin.

  • Llangelynnin, Gwynedd: Saint Celynin. Again.

  • Llangennech: Saint Cennych.

  • Llangennith: Saint Cenydd.

  • Llangenny: St. Cenau or Saint Keyne. A dual dedication again.

  • Llangian: Saint Cian.

  • Llangiwg: Near Pontardawe. St Ciwg.

  • Llangloffan: Saint Cloffan. The note says "fictitious". Well, that's a relief, less to remember.

  • Llanglydwen: St Clydwen.

  • Llangollen: Saint Collen. A well-known place.

  • Llangolman: Colmán of Dromore.

  • Llangovan: Saint Govan.

  • Llangrannog: Saint Caranog or Carantoc.

  • Llanrhian: Saint Rhian.

  • Llangristiolus: Saint Cristiolus.

  • Llangunllo: Saint Cynllo.

  • Llangunnor: Saint Ceinwr.

  • Llangurig: Saint Curig.

  • Llangwyfan, Aberffraw: Saint Cwyfan. There's a St Cwyfan's Church.

  • Llangwyfan, Denbighshire: Saint Cwyfan. Another one.

  • Llangwyfan, Aberffraw: Saint Cwyfan. A repeat, likely referring to the same place.

  • Llangwnnadl: Saint Gwynhoedl.

  • Llangwyryfon: Saint Ursula. A rather famous saint to have a Welsh llan named after her.

  • Llangwyllog: Saint Cwyllog.

  • Llangybi: This one’s a bit of a trifecta. Llangybi, Monmouthshire, Llangybi, Gwynedd, and Llangybi, Ceredigion. All named after Saint Cybi (or Cuby).

  • Llangyfelach: Saint Cyfelach.

  • Llangyndeyrn: Saint Cyndeyrn.

  • Llangynfelyn: Saint Cynfelyn.

  • Llangynhafal: Saint Cynhafal.

  • Llangynidr: St Cynidr.

  • Llangynin: Saint Cynin.

  • Llangynog: Saint Cynog.

  • Llangynog, Carmarthenshire: St Cynog.

  • Llangynwyd: Saint Cynwyd.

  • Llangystennin: Near Mochdre, Conwy. St. Cystennin, which translates to Constantine.

  • Llangywer: Saint Cywair.

  • Llanharan: Saint Aaron.

  • Llanhennock: Saint Henwg.

  • Llanhilleth: From Welsh Llanheledd, meaning 'Church of Saint Heledd'.

  • Llaniestyn, Anglesey: Saint Iestyn. There's a note about the Welsh spelling.

  • Llaniestyn, Gwynedd: Saint Iestyn. Again.

  • Llanidloes: Saint Idloes.

  • Llanigon: Saint Eigon.

  • Llanilar: Saint Ilar.

  • Llanilid: St Ilid.

  • Llanishen (Llanisien): Saint Isan.

  • Llanishen, Monmouthshire: St Isan.

  • Llanismel: Anglified to 'St Ishmaels'. Pembrokeshire. Saint Ismael, also known as Saint Isfael.

  • Llanismel: Anglified to 'St Ishmael', Carmarthenshire. Saint Ismael. Same saint, different location.

  • Llanllawddog: Saint Llawddog.

  • Llanllechid: Saint Llechid.

  • Llanllibio: Saint Llibio.

  • Llanllowell: Saint Llywel.

  • Llanllwchaiarn: Saint Llwchaiarn. There's a St Llwchaiarn's Church.

  • Llanllwchaiarn, Ceredigion: Another one.

  • Llanllwni: St Llwni.

  • Llanmadoc: Saint Madoc.

  • Llanmartin: Saint Martin. The famous one.

  • Llanmihangel, Vale of Glamorgan: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llannefydd: Conwy County Borough. Saint Nefydd. This seems to be a repeat of an earlier entry.

  • Llannon: Saint Non.

  • Llanon: Saint Non. Again.

  • Llanwnnog: Saint Gwynog.

  • Llanpumsaint: Five saints: Gwyn, Gwynno, Gwynoro, Ceithio and Celynin. A communal dedication.

  • Llanrhian: Saint Rhian.

  • Llanrhidian: St Rhidian.

  • Llanrhychwyn: Saint Rhychwyn.

  • Llanrhyddlad: Saint Rhyddlad.

  • Llanrhystud: St Rhystyd.

  • Llanrwst: Saint Grwst.

  • Llansadurnen: St Sadurnen.

  • Llansadwrn, Anglesey: Saint Sadwrn. There's a St Sadwrn's Church.

  • Llansadwrn: St Sadwrn.

  • Llansamlet: Saint Samlet.

  • Llansanffraid Glan Conwy: Brigid of Kildare (Saint Ffraid).

  • Llansannan: Saint Sannan.

  • Llansannor: St Senwyr.

  • Llansantffraed (Talybont-on Usk): St Ffraid.

  • Llansantffraed, Ceredigion: St Ffraed.

  • Llansanffraid Cwmdauddwr: St Fraid.

  • Llansantffraid Glyn Ceiriog: St Fraid.

  • Llansantffraed-in-Elwell: St Ffraed.

  • Llansantffraed, Monmouthshire: St Brigid (Ffraid/Bride/Bhrid).

  • Llansantffraed-ym-Mechain: Saint Ffraid. St Brigid is clearly very popular.

  • Llansawel: Saint Sawell.

  • Llansilin: Saint Silin.

  • Llanspyddid: St Ysbyddyd.

  • Llanstadwell: St Tudwal.

  • Llansteffan: Saint Stephen.

  • Llanstephan, Powys: St Stephen (or Ystyffan).

  • Llanstinan: St Justinian.

  • Llantilio Crossenny: St Teilo.

  • Llantilio Pertholey: St Teilo.

  • Llantood: Named after the 5th-century saint, Illtyd.

  • Llantrisant: Three saints: Illtud, Gwynno and Dyfodwg. A triple threat.

  • Llantrisant, Anglesey: Three saints again: Afran (possibly a variant of Afan), Ieuan, and Sana.

  • Llantrisant, Monmouthshire: Three saints, but these are the big ones: St Peter, St Paul and St John.

  • Llantrithyd: Of St Illtyd.

  • Llantwit Major: In Welsh, Llanilltud Fawr. Saint Illtud. A major figure.

  • Llantwit Fardre: ('Llanilltud on the Prince's own farm'). Saint Illtud. The name here has a secondary meaning relating to land ownership.

  • Llantysilio: Saint Tysilio.

  • Llanvaches: Saint Maches.

  • Llanvair Discoed: St Mary.

  • Llanvapley: St Mable. There's a St Mapley's Church.

  • Llanvetherine: Saint Gwytherin.

  • Llanvihangel Gobion: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanvihangel-Ystern-Llewern: St Michael, the Archangel.

  • Llanwddyn: Saint Wddyn.

  • Llanwenog: Saint Gwenog. There's a St Gwenog's Church.

  • Llanwinio: Saint Gwinio/Gwynno.

  • Llanwnnen: Saint Gwynin.

  • Llanwrda: St Cwrdaf.

  • Llanwrin: Saint Gwrin.

  • Llanwrthwl: Saint Gwrthwl.

  • Llanwyddelan: Saint Wyddelan.

  • Llanynghenedl: Saint Enghenedl. There's a St Enghenedl's Church.

  • Llanyre: Saint Llyr.

Place Names with Religious Connections Other Than a Saint

  • Llandaff: Named after the River Taff. Not a saint, but a geographical feature. Still sacred in its own way, I suppose.

  • Llanddarog: Uncertain. Church dedicated to Saint Twrog. The uncertainty is what makes it interesting.

  • Llandow: From Llandhuw, meaning Church of God. A direct declaration.

  • Llandrindod: Named after the Trinity. A theological concept as a placename. Bold.

  • Llanfachraeth: This one’s a bit of a trick. It has fach ('small') and (t)raeth ('beach'), meaning 'place, or church, of the little beach'. Not religious, despite the llan.

  • Llanfaes: 'Church of the field' from llan + maes ('field'). Originally dedicated to Saint Fagan. So, it started religious and became… not.

  • Llanfarian: After Capel Marian. A chapel, not a saint. A subtle distinction.

  • Llangefni: Named after the River Cefni. Previously known as Llangyngar, after Saint Cyngar. Another shift from saint to river.

  • Llangorwen: Possibly from corwen, meaning 'white church or choir'. Religious, but not tied to a specific person.

  • Llanllugan: See Llanllugan Abbey. An abbey, a clear religious connection.

  • Llansaint: Possibly named after a holy well, Ffynnon Saint ('saint's well'). A well, a source of sanctity.

  • Llansoy: After Tysoi, thought to have been a pupil of St. Dyfrig. A connection to a disciple.

  • Llantarnam: No clear religious connection stated here, which is odd given the llan.

  • Llanybydder: "The church of the deaf ones." A community, not a saint. Intriguing.

  • Llanymynech (part): Church of the Monks. Monks, clearly religious.

Place Names Without a Religious Connection

  • This list, too, feels like it’s missing pieces. The human tendency to leave things unfinished. (August 2008)

  • Bwlch-Llan, Ceredigion: A pass with a llan. The connection is purely geographical here.

  • Landimore: From Mor - Sea. "Land by the sea." Functional.

  • Llan, Powys: Just "Llan." The most basic form.

  • Llanaber: Unadorned.

  • Llanaeron: After the River Aeron. A river name.

  • Llanarmon-yn-Ial: Named after St Germanus of Auxerre and a commote of Medieval Wales. This one is a hybrid – it has a saint and a geographical/political designation. A bit of both worlds.

  • Llanarth, Ceredigion: Named for the River Arth.

  • Llanarth, Monmouthshire: From an older form 'Llangarth'. Could mean "church on the ridge of the hill" or "church with a garth (yard)". The meaning is debated, which is more interesting than a simple saint.

  • Llanbister: No clear meaning given. A mystery.

  • Llanboidy: Uncertain. Another mystery.

  • Llanbradach: Name evolved from Nant Bradach. So, it wasn't always a llan. It was a stream, then a valley, then… a llan. Language shifts.

  • Llancarfan: Name evolved from Nantcarfan. Similar to Llanbradach, a transformation.

  • Llancayo: Just… Llancayo.

  • Llancoch (Radnorshire): Coch, meaning 'red'. Red llan.

  • Llandarcy: Named after William Knox D'Arcy. Modern, industrial. A stark contrast to the ancient saints.

  • Llandenny: No explanation.

  • Llanddulas: Named after the River Dulas.

  • Llandinam: No explanation.

  • Llandovery: A corruption of Llanymddyfri. In English: 'Church enclosure amidst the waters'. Descriptive.

  • Llandre: From dref, meaning 'town'. Formerly Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn. So, it lost its saint and gained a common word for settlement.

  • Llandynan: No explanation.

  • Llaneglwys, Brecknockshire: llan + eglwys, meaning 'church'. 'Church church'. Redundant, but clear.

  • Llanerch, Powys: Just Llanerch.

  • Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion: Mansion estate adjacent to River Aeron. Again, river association.

  • Llanfachraeth: Fach, 'small', and (t)raeth, 'beach'. 'Place, or church, of the little beach'. A geographical description.

  • Llanfaenor (Monmouthshire): See [Llangattock-Vibon-Avel]. Faenor, meaning 'manor'. A feudal connection.

  • Llanfaes, Brecon: Faes or maes, meaning 'field'. 'Church of the field'.

  • Llanfair-yn-Neubwll: Neubwll meaning 'aeroplane', referring to nearby RAF Valley. Modern, technological. A llan for aeroplanes. The universe has a sense of humour.

  • Llanfaredd: From the Fareth, a small stream.

  • Llanfechain: No explanation.

  • Llanfendigaid Estate: No explanation.

  • Llan Ffestiniog: No explanation.

  • Llanfor: No explanation.

  • Llanfynydd, Flintshire: Fynydd, meaning 'mountain'. 'Mountain church'.

  • Llanfynydd: Again, fynydd, 'mountain'.

  • Llangadwaladr: After King Cadwaladr. A historical figure, not necessarily a saint in this context.

  • Llangefni, Anglesey: Named from River Cefni.

  • Llangernyw: Named after the area of Cernyw. A regional name.

  • Llangoed: Means 'religious enclosure in the wood'. It's descriptive, but "religious enclosure" is close to the original meaning of llan.

  • Llangoedmor: Originally Llangoedmawr, meaning 'great wood'.

  • Llangors: Cors, meaning 'marsh'. 'Church in the marsh'.

  • Llangwm, Conwy: Cwm, meaning 'valley'. 'Church in the valley'.

  • Llangwm, Pembrokeshire: No explanation.

  • Llangwm, Monmouthshire: No explanation.

  • Llanharry: No explanation.

  • Llanllwch: No explanation.

  • Llanllyfni, Gwynedd: Llan on the River Llyfni.

  • Llanmaes: No explanation.

  • Llanmerewig: No explanation.

  • Llan-mill, Pembrokeshire: No explanation.

  • Llanmiloe: Named after Llanmiloe House. A more recent, personal connection.

  • Llanmorlais: Name evolved from Glan Morlais.

  • Llannor: No explanation.

  • Llannerch-y-medd: No explanation.

  • Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch: Llan + rhaeadr (waterfall) in the cantref of Mochnant. A geographical and territorial description.

  • Llanrhos: Also known as Eglwys Rhos. 'Church Rhos'.

  • Llanrhyddlad: This appears again in the "Place names without a religious connection" section. It was previously listed under saints. This is where the ambiguity lies.

  • Llanrug: (Former name: "Llanfihangel-y-Rug"). So, it used to have a saint, but its current name is something else.

  • Llanrumney: Named after River Rhymney. The explanation about the evolution from "Glanrhymni" due to mutation is fascinating. It shows how language can twist and contort.

  • Llanteg: No explanation.

  • Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd: Llan + uwch + llyn meaning 'llan above the lake'. Descriptive.

  • Llanymawddwy, Gwynedd: From llan + yn + Mawddwy, meaning 'llan in the district of Mawddwy'. Territorial.

  • Llanwern: Also Llanywern (Breconshire). 'Church on the marshy ground'. Descriptive of the terrain.

  • Llanwnda, Gwynedd: No explanation.

  • Llanwnda, Pembrokeshire: Named after Garn Wnda burial chamber. A prehistoric site.

  • Llanwrtyd: Llanwrtyd Wells. Possibly named after a personal name Gwrtyd? Human, not divine.

  • Llanycefn: Cefn, meaning 'cave'. 'Church of the cave'.

  • Llanychaer: ('Church on the Aer', a tributary of the River Gwaun). Geographical, river-based.

  • Llanycil: No explanation.

  • Llanynys: Ynys, meaning 'island'. 'Church on the island'.

  • Llanyrafon: Afon, meaning 'river'. 'Church on the river'.

  • Llanystumdwy, Gwynedd: From llan + ystum + Dwy, meaning 'llan on the meander of the river Dwy'. Descriptive of the river's path.

Place Names in Counties Bordering Wales

These are the places where the Welsh influence bleeds into England. A linguistic frontier.

  • Lancaut: Welsh: Llan Cewydd. Gloucestershire. The lan is still there, adapted.

  • Llancillo: Herefordshire.

  • Landican: Birkenhead, Merseyside. Saint Tegan. The lan form persists.

  • Llandinabo: Herefordshire.

  • Llancloudy: Herefordshire.

  • Llanfair: Site of St Mary's church, near Clifford Castle in Clifford, Herefordshire, Wye Valley. Mary again.

  • Llanfair Waterdine: Shropshire.

  • Llangarron: Herefordshire.

  • Llangrove: Herefordshire.

  • Llanrothal: Herefordshire.

  • Llanveynoe: Herefordshire.

  • Llanwarne: Herefordshire.

  • Llanymynech (part): Shropshire. This one crosses the border.

  • Llanyblodwel: Shropshire.

Furthermore, some Welsh exonyms for English settlements contain the element llan. These are essentially Welsh names for English places.

Uncertain of Origin

Here lie the true enigmas. Places where the llan element is present, but its precise meaning or origin is lost to time. A testament to the fallibility of our knowledge.

  • Llanbethery
  • Llancadle
  • Llancarfan (Also listed under non-religious, evolved from Nantcarfan. Ambiguity.)
  • Llanhamlach
  • Llandawke
  • Llandeloy
  • Llandefalle
  • Llandevaud
  • Llanddowror
  • Llanfrechfa
  • Llanybri
  • Llanycrwys
  • Llanwenarth
  • Llandevenny, Newport

Place Names in Cornwall

Cornwall, the land of ancient traditions and a distinct language. The lan element here is often a direct descendant of the Welsh form, but it has its own nuances.

Places Named After Saints

  • Lannahevran: St Keverne, Saint Achevran.
  • Lannaled: St Germans, Saint Aled.
  • Lannanta: Lelant, Saint Anta.
  • Lannbrobus: Probus, Saint Probus.
  • Lanndege: Old Kea, Saint Kea.
  • Lanndewydnek: Landewednack, Saint Gwynnek.
  • Lanndhylyk: Landulph, Saint Deloc.
  • Lanndoho: St Kew, Saint Dochou. Similar to the Welsh Llandochau.
  • Lannentenin: St Anthony in Meneage, Saint Antonius.
  • Lannewa: St Ewe, Saint Ewa.
  • Lannfyek: Feock, Saint Feoc.
  • Lanngostentin: Constantine, Saint Constantine.
  • Lannhernow: Lanherne, Saint Hernow.
  • Lanngenewyt: Langunnett, Saint Cyneuit.
  • Lanngorrek: Crantock, Saint Goroc.
  • Lannhydrek: Lanhydrock, Saint Hydrek.
  • Lannjowan: Leyowne, Saint John.
  • Lannkynhorn: Linkinhorne, Saint Cynhoern.
  • Lannlivri: Lanlivery, Saint Lyfri.
  • Lannmoren: Lamorran, Saint Morenna or Saint Moren.
  • Lannoweyn: Cubert, Saint Owein.
  • Lannreydhek: Lanreath, Saint Reydhek or Saint Reydhow.
  • Lannrigon: Laregan and Lariggan. (Seems to be a list of related names).
  • Lannrihorn: Ruan Lanihorne, Saint Rihoern.
  • Lannsalwys: Lansallos, Saint Salwys.
  • Lannseles: Launcells, Saint Seles.
  • Lannsiek: St Just in Roseland, Saint Siek.
  • Lannstevan: Launceston, Saint Stephen.
  • Lannsulyan: Luxulyan, Saint Sulyan.
  • Lannudhno: St Erth, Saint Udhno.
  • Lannunwal: Laninval.
  • Lannust: St Just in Penwith, Saint Just.
  • Lannvihal: St Michael Caerhays, Saint Michael.
  • Lannvorek: Mevagissey, Saint Morec.
  • Lannvowsedh: St Mawes, Saint Maudet.
  • Lannwedhenek: Padstow, Saint Guethenoc.
  • Lannwenek: Lewannick, Saint Gwenek.
  • Lannwolesyk: Lellizzick, Saint Gwledic.
  • Lannworon: Goran, Saint Goron.
  • Lannystli: Gulval, Saint Ystli.

Place Names with Religious Connections Other Than a Saint

These are where the lan indicates a sacred space, but not necessarily tied to a specific person.

  • Kellilann: Clann, enclosure grove. The lan here seems to denote an enclosure, with a religious connotation.
  • Lannderow: Landeryou, oak tree enclosure/grove. An enclosure in an oak grove. Nature and sanctity intertwined.
  • Lannbesow: Lambessow, birch tree enclosure/grove. Similar, but with birch.
  • Lanbron: Lambourne, hill enclosure. A hilltop enclosure.
  • Lanndreth: St Blazey, religious enclosure by a beach or ferry. This one has a strong sense of place and function.
  • Lanneves: Lanivet, sacred grove religious enclosure. Explicitly sacred.
  • Lanneyst: Laneast, unknown. Another mystery.
  • Lanngordhow: Fowey, religious enclosure of tribes. A communal sacred space.
  • Lannmanagh: Lammana, monk's enclosure. A place for religious contemplation.
  • Lannmanagh: Looe Island, monk's enclosure. Same meaning, different location.
  • Lannpenn: Lampen, head enclosure. The "head" could imply leadership or prominence.
  • Lannsans: Lezant, holy religious enclosure. Explicitly holy.
  • Lannvab: Mabe, son's enclosure. The "son" might imply a spiritual son or successor.
  • Lannvyhan: Laddenvean, small religious enclosure. The adjective modifies the sacred space.
  • Lannwydhek: Mylor, wooded religious enclosure. An enclosure within a wood.
  • Seghlan: Sellan, dry enclosure. The lan here might be a variant, but the "dry enclosure" suggests a specific type of space.

Place Names Without a Religious Connection

These are where lan seems to have lost its religious sheen, becoming purely descriptive of land or settlement.

  • Landrevik: Landrivick, originally Hendrevik (little old farm). A farmstead.
  • Landu: Landue, originally Nansdu (black or dark valley). A valley.
  • Landu: Lanjew (Withiel), originally Lendu (black or dark strip field). A strip of land.
  • Landuwy: Lantewey, originally Nantduwey (valley of the river Dewey). River valley.
  • Lannestek: Lanescot, originally Lysnestek (Nestoc's court). A court or dwelling.
  • Langarth: Langarth, originally Lenangath (the cat's strip field). A field, with a rather whimsical owner.
  • Langover: Langore, originally Nansgover (stream valley). Valley with a stream.
  • Lanjergh: Lanjeth, originally Nansyergh (roebucks valley). A valley named after wildlife.
  • Lanjiogh: Lanjew (Kea), originally Nanskiogh (stream valley). Another stream valley.
  • Lankarrow: Lancarrow, originally Nanskarrow (stag's valley). Valley named after wildlife.
  • Lanlegh: Lanteague, originally Nanslegh (rock slab valley). A valley with a specific geological feature.
  • Lanlowarn: Lanlawren, originally Nanslowarn (fox's valley). Valley named after wildlife.
  • Lanmelin: Lamellion, originally Nansmelin (mill valley). A valley with a mill.
  • Lanmelin: Lamellyn, originally Nansmelin (mill valley). Same meaning, different location.
  • Lanmorek: Lamorick, originally Nansmorek (Moroc's valley). A valley named after a person.
  • Lanmornow: Lamorna, originally Nansmornow (valley of a stream called Morno). A valley and a stream.
  • Lannergh: Lanarth, woodland clearing. A clearing in the woods.
  • Lannergh: Landrake, woodland clearing. Again, a clearing.
  • Lannergh: Lannarth, woodland clearing. Repetition.
  • Lannergh: Lanner, woodland clearing. More clearings.
  • Lannergh: Larrick, woodland clearing.
  • Lannergh: Larrick (South Petherwin), woodland clearing.
  • Lannergh: Muchlarnick, woodland clearing. The llan here has clearly become a descriptor of land use.
  • Lansewigy: Lanseague, originally Nansewigy (hinds valley). Valley named after wildlife.
  • Lanteglos: Lanteglos-by-Camelford, originally Nanteglos (church valley). This one is interesting. It was a church valley, but now it's just Lanteglos. The religious connection has faded.
  • Lanteglos: Lanteglos-by-Fowey, originally Nanteglos (church valley). Same transformation.
  • Lantlogh: Landlooe, originally Nantlogh (valley of the river Looe). A river valley.
  • Lantollek: Lantallack, originally Nanstollek (hollowed valley). A descriptive valley.
  • Lantyvet: Lantivet, originally Nantyvet (cultivated valley). A valley used for farming.
  • Lantyeyn: Lantyan, originally Nantyeyn (cold valley). A valley, specifically a cold one.
  • Lanyeyn: Lanyon (Madron), originally Lynyeyn (cold pool). A pool, a cold one.
  • Lanyeyn: Lanyon (Gwinear), named after the Lanyon family from Lynyeyn (cold pool). Family name derived from a geographical feature.

Place Names in Areas Bordering Cornwall

The influence continues outwards.

  • Landkey: Near Barnstaple, Devon. Saint Kea. The Welsh llan has become lan and is attached to an English saint.

Place Names in Brittany

Brittany, the Gallic cousin. The lan here is Breton, but the echoes of its origins are unmistakable.

  • Lampaul-Guimiliau: (Breton: Lambaol-Gwimilio). Saint Paul.
  • Landerneau: (Breton: Landerne). Saint Ténénan.
  • Langolen: (Breton: Langolen). Saint Collen.
  • Landeleau: (Breton: Landelo). Saint Teilo.
  • Landoac: (Breton: Landoac). Saint Doac.
  • Lanildut: (Breton: Lannildud). Saint Illtud. A strong connection to Wales.
  • Lannédern: (Breton: Lannedern). Saint Edern.
  • Landévennec: (Breton: Landevenneg). Winwaloe.
  • Landivisiau: (Breton: Landivizio). Saint Gwisiau.
  • Landudal: (Breton: Landudal). Tudwal.
  • Lanhouarneau: (Breton: Lanhouarne). Saint Hervé.
  • Landévant: (Breton: Landevant). Saint Tevant.
  • Landudec: (Breton: Landudeg). Saint Tadec.
  • Landunvez: (Breton: Landunvez). Sainte Tunvez.
  • Langoëlan: (Breton: Lanwelan). Saint Gouelan.
  • Languidic: (Breton: Langedig). Saint Cynedd.
  • Landéda: (Breton: Landeda). Saint Tédia or Saint Tydeu.
  • Landujan: (Breton: Landujan). Saint Tudin (Tudwal).
  • Langast: (Breton: Lanwal). Saint Gal.
  • Langourla: (Breton: Langourlae). Saint Gourlae.
  • Langrolay-sur-Rance: (Breton: Langorlae). Saint Gourlae.
  • Languenan: (Breton: Langennan). Saint Kenan.
  • Langonnet: (Breton: Langoned). Saint Konoed (Saint Cynwyd).
  • Lanmodez: (Breton: Lanvaodez). Saint Maudez.
  • Landrévarzec: (Breton: Landrevarzeg). Saint Harzheg.
  • Lanarvily: (Breton: Lannarvili). Saint Haeruili.
  • Lanvénégen: (Breton: Lannejenn). Saint Menegean.
  • Lanvollon: (Breton: Lannolon). Saint Volon.
  • Landaul: (Breton: Landaol). Possibly Saint Teilo.
  • Landébia: (Breton: Landebiav). Saint Tebiav.
  • Lannéanou: (Breton: Lanneanoù). Saint Leanou.
  • La Harmoye: (Breton: Lanhervoed). Saint Harmoël.
  • La Landec: (Breton: Lannandeg). Saint Deg.
  • Landéhen: (Breton: Landehen). Saint Guéhen.
  • La Méaugon: (Breton: Lanvealgon). Saint Algon.
  • Lancieux: (Breton: Lanseeg). Saint Séoc (or Sieu).
  • Langueux: (Breton: Langaeg). Saint Guéthénoc.
  • Lanhélin: (Breton: Lanhelen). Saint Helen.
  • Laniscat: (Breton: Lanniskad). Saint Escat.
  • Lanneuffret: (Breton: Lanneured). Saint Gwévret.
  • Saint-Urbain: (Breton: Lannurvan). Saint Urvan.
  • Lannion: (Breton: Lannuon). A significant town.
  • Landebaëron: (Breton: Landebaeron).
  • La Malhoure: (Breton: Lanvelor).
  • La Nouaye: (Breton: Lanwaz).
  • Lanrigan: (Breton: Lanrigan). Saint Rigan.
  • Lanrivoaré: (Breton: Lanriware). Saint Riware.
  • La Vraie-Croix: (Breton: Langroez).
  • Lanfains: (Breton: Lanfeun). The name comes from Breton lann (hermitage) and Latin fanum (temple). This one has a dual etymology, crossing linguistic boundaries. It was on the border of Gallo and Breton languages.
  • Langan, Ille-et-Vilaine: (Breton: Langan).
  • Langon, Ille-et-Vilaine: (Breton: Landegon).
  • Languédias: (Breton: Langadiarn). Saint Catihern.
  • Lanmérin: (Breton: Lanvilin). Saint Mérin (Sant Vilin in Breton).
  • Lannebert: (Breton: Lannebeur). Saint Eber.
  • Lanvellec: (Breton: Lanvaeleg). Saint Maeleg.
  • Lanvéoc: (Breton: Lañveog). Saint Maeoc.
  • Laurenan: (Breton: Lanreunan). Saint Ronan*.

Place Names in Cumbria

The echoes of the Cumbric language in Cumbria. Brythonic origins are evident.

  • Ketland: The first element might be related to Welsh coed, meaning "forest, wood."
  • Lambert Ladd: Compare with Lampart below.
  • Lamplugh: The '-plugh' part has been linked to Welsh plwyf ("parish") or blwch ("bare").

The historic name Llan Lleenawc might have been in this region, named after Laenauc, a father of Guallauc, or Lennóc, a saint's name.

Place-names in areas bordering Cumbria

  • Lampert, Northumberland: Also spelled Lampart. The second element could be the equivalent of Welsh perth, meaning "hedge, thicket."

And then there's landā- – an earlier Brittonic word, the ancestor of llan, found in Vindolanda, the Roman fort. It shows the deep roots of these linguistic elements.

Place Names in Scotland

Pictish and Cumbric influence in Scotland, with elements like aber- and lhan- (also lum-, lon-, lin-), cognate with other Brittonic languages. And the Gaelic lann ("enclosure, churchyard"), which might have been adopted from Pictish usage.

Places Named After Saints

  • Lhanbryde, Moray: (Gaelic: Lann Brìghde). Saint Bride. The modern spelling is likely a recent innovation.
  • Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire: (Gaelic: Lann Fhìonain). Saint Fhìonain.
  • Lumphinnans, Fife: Identical etymology to Lumphanan.

Places with Other Religious Connections

  • Landis, Kirkcudbrightshire: Uncertain, possibly of Scots origin.
  • Lincluden, Kirkcudbrightshire: Location of an abbey. The second part refers to the Cluden Water. The first part could be linn, meaning "pool."
  • Lindores, Fife: (Gaelic: Lann Doras). An abbey is here. Possibly "church at the pass."
  • Longannet, Fife: (Gaelic: Lann na H-Annaide). Probably meant "former church enclosure."

Places with No Known Religious Connections

  • Conland, Fife: Possibly "dog-enclosure" (conlann) or "grouping of enclosures" (cu-lann).
  • Drumdratland, Fife: Etymology unclear, but druim means "a ridge."
  • Falkland, Fife: The first element is unclear.
  • Lumquhat, Fife: May mean "enclosure of the wild-cats."
  • Lynchat, Inverness-shire: Meaning "wildcat's enclosure."
  • Pentland Hills: The first element may be pen ("head, top") or pant ("hollow").
  • Pouterlampert, Scottish Borders: The -lampert part might relate to Lampart. The polter part is an obscure Brittonic suffix.

In Fiction

Even fiction borrows from this linguistic heritage.

This whole exploration, it’s a reminder that names aren't just labels. They're strata of history, belief, and human experience. And sometimes, the most interesting stories are in the gaps, the uncertainties, the places where the meaning has shifted or been lost entirely. It’s enough to make you… contemplate. Or perhaps just get on with it.