Yan is a common name in various cultures, often used as a given name or surname. In Chinese, it can mean "rock" or "swallow," depending on the characters used. The name is popular in countries like China and Taiwan, and it can be found in different forms across other cultures. In addition to being a name, Yan can refer to a variety of topics, including Yan'an, a city in China known for its historical significance during the Chinese Communist Party's rise. The term may also relate to Yan style, a traditional form of Chinese martial arts.