Elian is a name that can refer to various subjects, but one of the most notable is the case of Elian Gonzalez, a Cuban boy who became the center of a highly publicized custody battle in the United States in the late 1990s. He was found at sea after a boat capsized while trying to reach Florida from Cuba. His mother died during the journey, and he was rescued by U.S. Coast Guard officials. The case sparked a national debate over immigration, custody, and the political tensions between Cuba and the United States. After a lengthy legal battle, Elian was ultimately returned to his father in Cuba in 2000, highlighting the complexities of international law and family rights.