Declining since 1987, #871 for boys today.
Popularity of Orlando since 1880
Babies named Orlando per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1987, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Orlando's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 137 |
| 1890s | 104 |
| 1900s | 130 |
| 1910s | 1,135 |
| 1920s | 1,607 |
| 1930s | 1,029 |
| 1940s | 1,134 |
| 1950s | 2,777 |
| 1960s | 5,971 |
| 1970s | 6,880 |
| 1980s | 7,637 |
| 1990s | 6,864 |
| 2000s | 7,496 |
| 2010s | 4,710 |
| 2020s | 1,843 |
Meaning & origin
Orlando is an Italian and Spanish form of Roland, a name with deep roots in medieval European literature. In the United States, it first appeared in official records in 1880 and achieved its greatest popularity in the 1970s, reaching peak rank in 1975. Since 1987, its usage has been in a long-term decline, and as of 2025 it ranks 871st, with approximately 1 in 6,211 baby boys receiving the name. The name is most strongly associated with the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, reflecting its particular appeal within Hispanic and Latino communities. Despite its current downward trajectory, Orlando remains a culturally resonant choice, carried by characters in Shakespeare and the Italian Renaissance epic, and retains a spirited, romantic quality.
Orlando is the Italian and Spanish form of Roland, a Germanic name derived from the elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'nand' (brave, bold). It rose to prominence across Europe through the medieval epic 'The Song of Roland' and later received literary prestige from Ludovico Ariosto's 1516 poem 'Orlando Furioso'. The name has been widely used in Italy, Spain, and Latin America, and gained English visibility via the character in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' (1599).
Where Orlando is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Orlando” around the world
Where Orlando lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lando, Lanny, Ollie, Andy, Rolly
Sibling names for Orlando
Names that share Orlando's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Valentina, Isabella, Camila, Sofia, Luciana, Armida, Havana, Lavina, Nilda, Ofelia, Oralia, Portia, Clorinda, Florinda, Jamaica, Nerissa, Rolanda, Sicily, Tijuana, Brazil, Charmian, Elonda, Fontella, Jenita, Martinique, Maurita, Medora, Merlinda, Norita, Othella, Soraida, Sylvana, Vonita, Yolando, Adelisa, Alzada, Aminta, California, Forestine, Haidee, Idolina, Iraida, Jawana, Loreda, Louretta, Madora, Manila, Marzetta, Monquie, Oretta, Ulanda, Tulsa, Alabama, Australia, Beonca, Cardelia, Cordella, Cressida, Eulanda, Florenda, Illyria, Manilla, Merlina, Miami, Minola, Philena, Renella, Romanda, Seville, Yolinda
Brothers: Matteo, Sebastian, Julian, Mario, Leo, Memphis, Rome, Artemio, Eligio, Harlem, Nery, Renaldo, Silverio, Arlando, Fortino, Lando, Melbourne, Montreal, Omero, Orlanda, Othello, Rinaldo, Rumaldo, Shondell, Silvano, Vegas, Orbin, Othell, Panfilo, Chicago, Lavante, Nicandro, Aroldo, Delando, Detroit, Durante, Evelio, Milano, Morocco
Names like Orlando
Names whose popularity has moved with Orlando's over the last 50 years.
