What does Roland mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Roland has been used for females as a modern variant. The name has historical significance in France as it is associated with the hero of the 'Chanson de Roland,' a foundational epic of French literature that celebrates the bravery of the knight Roland. Its meaning
Cultural significance
Roland has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of famous throughout the land.
Peak popularity
Reached #2033 in 1927 — currently #661 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Roland?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Roland?
Roland works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Roland Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Roland Rose
Floral · soft ending
Roland Mae
Sweet · timeless
Roland Claire
French influence · crisp
Roland Jane
Literary · strong
Roland Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Roland right now?
Falling — down 52 spots — currently #661 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #661 | 414 | ▼ down 52 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #609 | 461 | ▲ up 59 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #668 | 405 | ▲ up 4762 · +4400% births |
| 1970 | #5430 | 9 | ▼ down 118 · +29% births |
| 1965 | #5312 | 7 | ▲ up 1111 · +40% births |
| 1960 | #6423 | 5 | ▼ down 2023 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #4400 | 8 | ▼ down 22 · +60% births |
| 1940 | #4378 | 5 | ▼ down 1303 · -44% births |
| 1930 | #3075 | 9 | ▲ up 967 · +29% births |
| 1925 | #4042 | 7 | ▲ up 247 · +40% births |
| 1915 | #4289 | 5 | — |
The story of Roland
Roland entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. A total of 99,012 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4289 in 1915 to #661 in 2023. Roland is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Roland in 1927:
Roland by decade
Roland peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 444 | |
| 1890s | 875 | |
| 1900s | 1,316 | |
| 1910s | 8,827 | |
| 1920s ★ | 16,977 | |
| 1930s | 15,079 | |
| 1940s | 13,110 | |
| 1950s | 12,352 | |
| 1960s | 9,717 | |
| 1970s | 5,537 | |
| 1980s | 4,249 | |
| 1990s | 3,114 | |
| 2000s | 2,664 | |
| 2010s | 4,264 | |
| 2020s | 487 | |
What are good nicknames for Roland?
What names sound and feel like Roland?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Roland also consider these
How is Roland written in other languages?
Gender variants of Roland
Common questions about the name Roland
What does the name Roland mean?
Roland means "Famous throughout the land" — a name rooted in France tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Roland?
Roland is currently ranked #661 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Roland?
Roland originates from France tradition. France names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Roland?
Roland is a two-syllable name pronounced R OW1 L AH0 N D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Roland more of a girl or boy name?
Roland is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.