What does the welsh word llan mean?

The Welsh word "llan" means church or enclosure. It is a very common element in Welsh place names, often followed by a saint's name, such as Llanfair, Llandudno, or Llanelli.

Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

* Church: This is the most common meaning of "llan". It refers to a church building or a place where a church once stood.

* Enclosure: "Llan" can also refer to an enclosed space, often associated with a religious site.

So, a place name like "Llanfair" would literally translate to "church of Mary".