Roland - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Roland \r(o)-la-nd\ is pronounced ROH-land. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "renowned land". Roland is celebrated in French and Italian poetic and romantic sagas as a hero in the service of Charlemagne. Orlando is more common in several European languages, and Rowland was the preferred version in English in the past.

Roland has 16 variant forms: Lannie, Lanny, Orlando, Roeland, Rolando, Roldan, Roley, Rollan, Rolland, Rollie, Rollin, Rollins, Rollo, Rolly, Rowe and Rowland.

For more information, see also the related name Rawlins.

Baby names that sound like Roland are Ryland and Ryeland.

Roland is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Roland. Click here to compare Roland with related baby names.