A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Roland since 1880
Babies named Roland per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Roland's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 444 |
| 1890s | 875 |
| 1900s | 1,316 |
| 1910s | 8,799 |
| 1920s | 16,879 |
| 1930s | 15,001 |
| 1940s | 13,093 |
| 1950s | 12,329 |
| 1960s | 9,681 |
| 1970s | 5,484 |
| 1980s | 4,230 |
| 1990s | 3,114 |
| 2000s | 2,665 |
| 2010s | 4,270 |
| 2020s | 2,649 |
Meaning & origin
Roland is a sturdy Germanic name with a long history of use, reaching its highest U.S. popularity in 1931, when it ranked well within the top 200. After a long decline, the name has been rising again since 2003. Its revival is part of a broader return of vintage names from the early 1900s, particularly in states like Maine, Wisconsin, and Utah. While never extremely common, Roland offers a classic, underused alternative to more trendy choices. The name's legendary associations and strong consonant structure give it a timeless, grounded feel.
Roland derives from the Old High German elements "hruod" (fame) and "land" (land). It was the name of a legendary Frankish paladin from the 8th-century Song of Roland, which helped popularize it across medieval Europe. The name saw steady use in Germany and France and was brought to English-speaking countries in the 19th century.
Where Roland 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.
“Roland” around the world
Where Roland lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Roly, Lanny, Ro
Sibling names for Roland
Names that share Roland's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eleanor, Audrey, Genevieve, Beatrice, Esther, Aleta, Carline, Linette, Alanda, Berlinda, Charmain, Dalinda, Gwendolen, Merlinda, Merline, Rogene, Rolinda, Selinda, Amelda, Glendola, Glorianne, Glynda, Larose, Orlinda, Rosland, Ulanda, Doranne, Eulanda, Francyne, Lendora, Lenoria, Lorrane, Ramanda, Rolene, Romanda, Romonda, Romonia, Violanda
Brothers: Walter, Victor, Oscar, Leonard, Gerald, Bertram, Lambert, Loring, Neville, Rowland, Esmond, Levert, Orlan, Orlanda, Randale, Raymund, Squire, Alando, Olanda, Ronold, Aldous, Alroy, Delando, Norlan
Names like Roland
Names whose popularity has moved with Roland's over the last 50 years.
