Of Germanic origin.
The meaning of the name is “famous land”.
Derives from the Germanic elements “hrod”, meaning “fame” and “land”.
Roland was a French military leader under Charlemagne, the king of the Franks. He was the principal hero in the epic “La Chanson de Roland”.
The name was introduced to England and Scotland by the Vikings.
Other forms of the name are: Rolande, Rowland, Rollie, Rollo, Rollins, Rowe, Rolin.
Famous bearers are Roland Barthes, Roland Orzabal, Roland Gift, Roland Joffé, Roland Giraud, Roland Emmerich, Roland Kickinger, Roland Petit, Roland Dyens.
British musician, songwriter Roland Orzabal is widely known as the co-founder of the band “Tears for Fears”.
With the band’s other founder, Curt Smith, they released three multi-platinum albums, from 1983 to 1989.