 Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall (2.4 m) romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song.[1] | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈroʊlənd/ |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Language(s) | Frankish |
| Name day | 15 September. |
| Origin | |
| Word/name | hruod- + land |
| Meaning | famed-land |
| Region of origin | France |
| Other names | |
| Variant form(s) | Rolando Orlando Roldán (name) |
| Nickname(s) | Rolly, Rollie |
| Derived | Roldán (name) Lóránt, Roeland, |
| Related names | Rolands, Rolland, Rowland, Roeland, Loránd, Lóránt[2] |
Roland is a masculine Frankish given name that is also used as a family name. Forms in other languages include: Orlando (Italian),[3][4] Rolando (Italian, Portuguese, Spanish),[5] Roldán (Spanish),[6] Lorand (Hungarian).
The name Roland originates from Frankish. Its meaning has usually been identified as "famous land," "from the famous land," or "fame of the land", derived from the stems "Hrōð" or "χrōþi" meaning fame, and "land" (Hrōþiland). Some claim that "land" was derived from "nand," meaning "brave.",[7][8]
The name became widespread after the semi-legendary military hero Roland who served in the Frankish army under Charlemagne circa 778 A.D. and whose exploits were celebrated in the Chanson de Roland or Song of Roland.[9]
Variations include "Rollo" in British English[10] and "Rolle" in Scandinavian languages.[11]
