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Roland

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROH-land /ˈroʊ.lənd/High

Meaning: From Old High German Hrodland, composed of hrod ('fame,' 'glory') and land ('land,' 'territory'), meaning 'famous throughout the land' or 'renowned in the land'High

In 30 seconds: Roland is a magnificent Germanic-Norman name meaning 'famous throughout the land' — worn by Charlemagne's greatest paladin and immortalized in the oldest epic poem in French.
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Origin HighGermanic, Old French
MeaningFrom Old High German Hrodland, composed of hrod ('fame,' 'glory') and land ('land,' 'territory'), meaning 'famous throughout the land' or 'renowned in the land'
U.S. rank (2025)#608 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births466 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 100,830

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Roland derives from Old High German Hrodland, from hrod ('fame') and land ('land'). Roland was one of the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne in medieval legend — his greatest warrior — who died heroically at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 AD. His story became the foundation of the French epic La Chanson de Roland.

Roland spread throughout medieval Europe through Norman and Frankish influence, becoming common in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It has been in continuous English use since then, though less common in the 20th century. It is now experiencing a modest revival as a distinguished name with genuine medieval heroic pedigree.

Did you know? The Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland, c. 1040–1115 AD) is the oldest surviving major work of French literature — and Roland is its hero — making this name arguably the first given name in the canon of French literary culture.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Roland — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RowlandOrlandoRolando

Nicknames

RolRollie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Roland (of Roncevaux) (?–778)
    Frankish military commander under Charlemagne who died at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778; later celebrated as the hero of the medieval Song of Roland.

If you like Roland…

Orland— a poetic form of Roland with the same Frankish origin
Oswin— Old English heroic name with the same medieval warrior tradition
Raymond— Germanic name meaning 'wise protector' from the same Frankish-Norman naming tradition
Lancelot— Arthurian knight's name with the same medieval epic-heroic resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Roland mean?

Roland comes from Old High German Hrodland meaning 'famous throughout the land,' combining hrod (fame) and land (territory).

How do you pronounce Roland?

It is said ROH-land — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Roland a boy or girl name?

Roland is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Roland?

Roland was common in medieval Europe and mid-20th century America and is now experiencing a modest revival as a distinguished classic.