Declining since 1985, #1,370 for boys today.
Popularity of Rolando since 1916
Babies named Rolando per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1994, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rolando's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 93 |
| 1930s | 197 |
| 1940s | 419 |
| 1950s | 1,618 |
| 1960s | 2,652 |
| 1970s | 3,663 |
| 1980s | 4,219 |
| 1990s | 4,075 |
| 2000s | 4,232 |
| 2010s | 2,307 |
| 2020s | 945 |
Meaning & origin
Rolando is the Italian and Spanish form of Roland, a name brought to prominence by the legendary Frankish knight of Charlemagne. In the United States, Social Security data shows the name first recorded in 1916, with a peak in 1975. Since the 1980s its usage has steadily declined; in 2025 it ranked 1,370, with about 1 in 12,652 newborn boys receiving the name. Top states for recent births include Kansas, Texas, and California, reflecting its enduring appeal in Hispanic communities. While no longer trendy, Rolando retains a classic, strong sound and is a solid choice for families honoring Italian or Spanish heritage.
Rolando is the Italian and Spanish form of Roland, which derives from Germanic elements hrod 'fame' and land 'land'. It was introduced to Southern Europe via the Carolingian legend of Roland, a knight of Charlemagne. The name has seen steady use in Spanish- and Italian-speaking communities, with notable popularity in the United States among Hispanic families.
Where Rolando 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rolo, Roly, Lando
Variants: Roldán, Orlando
Sibling names for Rolando
Names that share Rolando's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Rolando
Names whose popularity has moved with Rolando's over the last 50 years.
