Qan
/kɑːn/noun
A variant spelling of khan, a title formerly used by rulers or nobles in Central and Inner Asia.
Did you know?The better-known title Khan ultimately connects to the imperial title qağan or khagan, famously used by Chinggis Khan’s successors for a ruler above ordinary khans.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 8th Century
Old Turkic
qağan
“A supreme ruler or emperor, especially one governing multiple tribes or peoples.”
8th–10th Century
Turkic
qaγan
“An imperial title used among Turkic political confederations.”
13th Century
Middle Mongolian
qaγan
“Great khan or supreme sovereign of the Mongol Empire.”
13th–15th Century
Persian
ḵān
“A ruler’s or nobleman’s title, adopted widely across the Islamic world and Central Asia.”
16th–18th Century
English
khan
“A title for a Central Asian ruler or chieftain.”
Modern English
English
qan
“A less common variant spelling of khan.”