Roland
Meaning of Roland
The name Roland is a classic male name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous throughout the land." It is pronounced as ROH-luhnd (/ˈroʊlənd/) in English. The name gained significant popularity through the medieval epic "The Song of Roland," which tells the tale of a heroic knight serving under Charlemagne. Roland has been a consistent choice for parents over the years, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical richness. While it reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century, it continues to be a favored option with 412 occurrences in 2023, ranking at 661 in the United States. Variations of the name include Rowland, though Roland remains the more common spelling. This timeless name carries connotations of nobility and bravery, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a strong and storied name for their child.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as ROH-luhnd (/ˈroʊlənd/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Roland
| Roland Barthes was a French literary theorist, philosopher, and critic known for his influential work in semiotics and his impact on various fields of theory. |
| Roland Emmerich is a German film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his science fiction and disaster films, with over $3 billion in worldwide box office earnings. |
| Daniel Roland Michener was a Canadian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as the 20th Governor General of Canada. |
| Roland G. Fryer Jr. - Roland Gerhard Fryer Jr. is a renowned American economist and Harvard University professor who overcame a challenging childhood to achieve academic success and receive prestigious awards, such as the MacArthur Fellowship and the John Bates Clark Medal. |
| Eugène Adrien Roland Georges Garros was a French aviation pioneer and fighter pilot, known for his early feats in aviation and his role as one of the earliest fighter pilots during World War I, and is honored with the naming of the Roland Garros tennis stadium. |
| Roland Aubrey Leighton was a British poet and soldier, whose legacy was immortalized in his fiancée Vera Brittain's memoir, Testament of Youth. |
| Roland Joffé is an acclaimed English director and producer, recognized for his work on Academy Award-nominated films such as The Killing Fields and The Mission, as well as for his impactful television productions. |
| Roland Berger is a prominent German entrepreneur, consultant, and philanthropist. |
| Roland Mouret is a renowned French fashion designer known for his elegant and sophisticated designs. |
| Roland Gööck was a German editor and non-fiction author known for his role as the head of Bertelsmann publishers from 1954. |
| Roland Sebastian Martin is an American journalist known for his work as a commentator for TV One and as the host of News One Now and Washington Watch with Roland Martin. |
| Roland Clifford Riemers is an American perennial candidate who gained recognition for winning the 1996 North Dakota Democratic presidential primary. |
| Roland Wakelin was a New Zealand-born Australian painter and teacher. |
| Roland Müller - Roland Richard Guaves Müller is a Filipino professional footballer known for his career as a goalkeeper and his contributions to the Philippines national team. |
| Roland Petit was a renowned French ballet company director, choreographer, and dancer, celebrated for his innovative ballet productions after training at the Paris Opera Ballet school. |
