Declining since 2022, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Rowland since 1880
Babies named Rowland per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rowland's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 57 |
| 1890s | 77 |
| 1900s | 106 |
| 1910s | 521 |
| 1920s | 721 |
| 1930s | 544 |
| 1940s | 486 |
| 1950s | 522 |
| 1960s | 379 |
| 1970s | 183 |
| 1980s | 153 |
| 1990s | 133 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 161 |
| 2020s | 125 |
Meaning & origin
Rowland is a masculine given name of English origin, a variant of the more familiar Roland. Despite its distinguished Germanic roots meaning 'famous land,' Rowland has never been a common choice. Its peak popularity occurred in 1903, well over a century ago, and the name has been on a downward trajectory since the early 1900s. In 2025, Rowland ranked 5,608, with only 1 in 106,755 male births receiving the name. Over the past decade, interest has continued to fade, with a notable decline since 2022. While no top states recorded significant usage, the name retains a classic, old-fashioned appeal, often associated with the historic Rowland family name. Its rarity today makes it a distinctive option for parents seeking an uncommon name with deep European heritage.
Rowland is an English given name derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" (fame) and "land" (land). It is a variant of Roland, brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest. The name Roland was popularized by the medieval epic The Song of Roland, though Rowland itself has been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, often as a surname as well.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Row, Rolly, Lanny
Sibling names for Rowland
Names that share Rowland's style, for a brother or sister.
