Surname Roland - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Celtic Roots: iGENEA DNA Test and its Influence on the Roland Family Identity

Embarking on a journey tracing back my lineage through my iGENEA DNA test results, I discovered the deep and intricate history that the surname Roland holds. Unraveling my deep-rooted Celtic origins has reshaped my perspective about my family's identity, connecting me to a wider human history.

X. Roland

Roland: What does the surname Roland mean?

The surname Roland originates from old Germanic words "hrod" meaning fame and "nand" meaning brave, thus it translates to "famous throughout the land" or "renowned in the land". It became popular in medieval Europe through the character of Roland, a military leader under Charlemagne, in the French epic poem ‘Chanson de Roland’. Over time, Roland transformed into a first name and also a surname in many cultures, including English, French, Dutch, and German. As a surname, it is now widespread across the world, suggesting a family lineage of perhaps bravery, fame, or renown. However, the specific significance of the surname can vary between different families possessing it, based on their unique genealogical history.

Roland: Where does the name Roland come from?

The last name Roland is primarily found in France today, as approximately 0.19% of the French population bears that name. It is believed to have originated from northern France, and it is thought to derive from the Germanic name Hrodland, which consists of hrod (renown) and land (territory). The use of the name then spread to other European countries such as Switzerland and Germany.

The name Roland is also one of the most common surnames in Belgium, making up 0.8% of the Belgian population. It is also common in Luxembourg, as it makes up 0.4% of the population there. Additionally, Roland is a common last name in the United States, with about 45,000 people bearing that name. The majority of the people with this last name in the U.S. are of French, German and English descent.

Roland is also a popular surname in Canada, with roughly 10,000 people with that name. It is also found in a few other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. The name Roland is less common in other parts of the world, though it can still be found in places like South Africa, Mexico, India and Japan.

Overall, the Roland surname is becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world, though it is particularly widespread in France, Belgium and the U.S. Additionally, the name may have different spellings in other countries, such as Rolland or Roulant.

Variations of the surname Roland

The variant spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Roland include Rolland, Rollins, Rowland, Rolands, Rolinson, Rowlands, Rollinsons, Rowlin, Rolande, Rollinson, Roeland, Roelands, Rowlandson, Rolandon, and Rollanson. Although the exact origin of the surname Roland is uncertain, it is believed to have its roots in an Old German personal name, “Hrodland”, which may have in turn been derived from an Old French name, “Rolland.”

The Roland name is also thought to have come from an ancient Anglo-Saxon word, “hrǣdland,” which is a combination of two Germanic words, “hrēad,” meaning “fame,” and “land,” which means “land.” It is also assumed to have derived from several different Old French localnames as well.

Over time, the Roland surname has spread throughout many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. Roland is also fairly common throughout Latin America and parts of Canada as well. In the United States, the Roland surname is most popular in the southern states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas.

Regardless of the origin of the Roland surname, it has remained a popular choice since its own inception and remains an important part of many family histories.

Famous people with the name Roland

• Joe Roland: Jazz vibraphonist and composer.
• Sergio Roland: Argentine actor.
• Paul Roland: English singer-songwriter.
• Jason Roland: American voice actor.
• Édith Piaf (born Edith Giovanna Gassion): French singer-songwriter (maiden name Roland).
• Cassidy Gifford: American actress with the maternal last name Roland.
• Michèle Roland: French actress.
• Duane Roland: American guitarist and founding member of the rock band Molly Hatchet.
• David Roland: Canadian actor, director, producer, and screenwriter.
• Maxime Roland: French ice dancer.
• Jack Roland Murtha (also known as Rollie Fingers): American professional baseball player.
• Gabriel Roland: French Alpine skier.
• Tony Roland: American football coach.
• Alexander B. Roland: American military officer.
• Aliki Vougiouklaki: Greek actress (maiden name was Aliki Roland).
• Lori Lynn Raymond (born Lori Lynn Roland): American actress.
• Jean Baptiste Roland de La Platière: French Minister of the Interior during the French Revolution.
• Jules Roland de La Platière: French politician.
• Philippe Roland: French composer.
• Pierre Roland: French rower.

Other surnames

Rolandt