Name «Bilan»

The name "Bilan" has ancient Slavic origins and is derived from the adjectival base "bily" (meaning "white") with the use of the attributive suffix "-an". Analogues of this name include other Slavic names with similar adjectival bases, such as Golya, Dobran, and Sukhan. The first written record of the name "Bilan" is found in the registry entry of a Cossack from the Bratslav regiment in 1649.It is likely that the name "Bilan" is connected to the apellative "bilan," which can mean "blonde" or may refer to a white ox or dog. The name may also relate to "white butterfly" with black spots on its wings.Among the Cossacks of the Pereyaslav regiment in 1649, individuals with names similar to "Bilan" are mentioned. It is possible that the name is a result of formation from two-root names, similar to names like Bealimir and Beloslav.In Ukraine, the name "Bilan" is currently not common among newborns. However, its bearers are mentioned as early as the 17th century in Maramuresh. Among the Cossacks in 1649, there were other surnames with the root "bil," such as Bilan, Bila, Bilok, and others, which researchers consider derivatives of Old Slavic names.In the 18th century, the surname "Bilan" and its relatives were widespread throughout Ukraine; notably, in 1787 it was recorded in seven villages of Boykivshchyna.