What is the origin/history of Flan?!

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Flan began, actually, as an ordinary slice of wheat bread. After many years, it evolved legs and drew itself out of the primordial ooze.

Have a look at this site for more detail, it's unfortunately too much info to paste.... hope this helps!

The history of flan (and custard, a closely related recipe) begins with the Ancient Romans. Eggs figured prominently in many Roman recipes. The flan prepared by the Ancient Romans was quite different from the food we eat today. Their flan was often served as a savory dish, as in "eel flan," although sweet flans, made with honey and pepper, were also enjoyed. When the Romans conquered Europe, they brought their culinary traditions with them. One of these was flan. Both sweet and savory flans (almonds, cinnamon & sugar; cheese, curd, spinach, fish) were very popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, especially during Lent, when meat was forbidden. According to Platina's De Honesta Voluptate[On Right Pleasure and Good Health], an Italian cookery text published approximately 1475, custard-type dishes were considered health food. In addition to being nourishing they were thought to soothe the chest, aid the kidneys and liver, increase fertility and eliminate certain urinary tract problems. Creme caramel evolved in France

http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpuddings…

EDIT: Memo, have a look at my answer to your question regarding the water bath, on that site I posted, there's a lot of Q & A's regarding flans & a bit on the history as well. Really a good site.