Roland

The masculine first name Roland was originally an Old French form that goes back to the medieval and Old High German name Hruodland, which in turn derives from the Old Germanic Hrodland (Hrōdland). Interpreted in essence, it means 'the glorious and brave one', 'the famous one in the land', 'the glorious one in the land', or simply 'the brave one' as well as 'the glorious one'.

What does the name Roland mean?

The masculine first name Roland was originally an Old French form that goes back to the medieval and Old High German name Hruodland, which in turn derives from the Old Germanic Hrodland (Hrōdland). Interpreted in essence, it means 'the glorious and brave one', 'the famous one in the land', 'the glorious one in the land', or simply 'the brave one' as well as 'the glorious one'. Its origin lies in Old High German, derived from the two word components hruod (Old High German) or hrōþiz (Proto-Germanic) meaning 'glory', 'honor', 'distinction', or 'praise' and lant (Old High German) or landą (Proto-Germanic) meaning 'the land' or 'the homeland'. The most famous Roland/Hruotland was the margrave of Brittany under Charlemagne. He lost his life in the fight against the Moors/Basques. His heroic deeds are glorified in the old Roland saga (a side saga of the Nibelungen), the Old French Song of Roland, and in several other poems. The Normans introduced the name Roland in England during the Middle Ages. In the 1950s and 1960s, Roland was among the most popular boys' names in Germany. Other variants include Hrodland (Old Germanic), Hruodland (Old High German), Hruotland (Old Frankish), Roeland, Orlando, Rolandas (Lithuanian), Rolands (Latvian), Rolando (Spanish), Rolan (French), Rollans (French), Rolland (English), Rowland (English), Rutland (English), Rollando, Roldan (Spanish), Lorant (Hungarian), Lorand (Polish and Hungarian), Roldao (Portuguese), Rolant (Icelandic), Rolandus, Ruland, and Rulant. The feminine forms include Rolanda, Rolande, Orlanda, and Orlane. The Roland statue in Bremen is also well-known. A current significant bearer of the name is the German film producer Roland Emmerich.

Where does the name Roland come from?

The etymology of Roland is a masculine first name of Old High German origin with meanings such as 'the glorious one in the land' or 'the famous one in the land' and others. Old High German

How do you pronounce Roland?

Sound & pronunciation of Roland: The name Roland is two syllables and sonorous in structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ro-land' [ˈʁoːlant], with the long dark 'o' shaping the beginning. The final 'd' provides a clear conclusion. Roland sounds traditional and powerful - calm, stable, and distinctly formed.

When is the name day of Roland?

The name day of Roland is July 14 (in honor of Roland of Chézery), September 15 (in honor of Roland of Salsomaggiore), and November 9 (Church calendar).

Popularity

The masculine first name Roland was present in Germany from its first recorded appearance for many decades and initially belonged to the well-established names. From the late 1920s until the 1950s, Roland mostly remained in the extended range of frequently given first names and was able to significantly improve again towards the end of this phase. In 1959, Roland reached rank 30, the historical peak of its relative popularity in Germany.

Nicknames & pet names

Landi / Roailand / Rocky / Roeland / Rol / Rolandy / Rolchick / Role / Roli / Rolland / Rollator / Roller / Rolli / Rolliver / Rollmops / Rollo / Rolls / Rolly / Rolo / Rolo - mit leicht französichem Akzent au / Rölu

Similar first names

Famous people

• Bremer Roland (Statue in Bremen)
• Rasender Roland (Steam train on Rügen)
• Roland Baar (German rowing racer)
• Roland Berger (business and political consultant)
• Roland Bless (singer)
• Roland Brunner (German football player)
• Roland Cardon (Belgian composer)
• Roland de Vaux (French archaeologist)
• Roland Deschain (well-known fictional character)
• Roland Druck (football player from Germany)
• Roland Ducke (footballer from Germany)
• Roland Düringer (actor)
• Roland Emmerich (film producer, director, and screenwriter)
• Roland Fink (American musician)
• Roland Glassl (German musician)
• Roland Grapow (guitarist from Germany)
• Roland Greefkes (Dutch artist)
• Roland Harper (hurdler from Great Britain)
• Roland Hemmo (German actor, voice actor, and audio drama speaker)
• Roland Henning (German racing cyclist)