Roland is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is composed of two elements: "hrod" meaning "fame" and "land" meaning "land". Therefore, the name Roland means "famous throughout the land".
The name Roland has a long history and has been used in various cultures throughout the centuries. It was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was often given to nobles and warriors due to its strong meaning.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Roland was the 9th-century Frankish warrior and paladin who served under Charlemagne. According to legend, Roland defended his lord's kingdom against invading enemies with great valor and bravery until his eventual defeat at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778.
The story of Roland has been preserved in numerous literary works, including the medieval French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland". This legendary figure continues to be celebrated in art, literature, and culture today, contributing to the enduring popularity of the name Roland.
In recent times, the name Roland has also been associated with several notable individuals, such as the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, the French writer and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and the American musician and singer-songwriter Rowland Salley, better known by his stage name "Babyface". These figures have helped to further popularize the name Roland in modern times.
Overall, the name Roland is a strong and distinguished choice with a rich historical background and meaningful origin. It has been worn by many notable individuals throughout history and continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
The statistics provided show the annual number of babies named Roland born in the United States from 1915 to 1987. During this period, there were a total of 362 babies named Roland born in the U.S.
The peak years for the name Roland were between 1926 and 1927, with 19 births each year. This suggests that during this time, the name Roland was particularly popular among parents choosing names for their newborn sons.
However, from the late 1930s onwards, the popularity of the name Roland began to decline. Between 1940 and 1987, there were only three years in which more than ten babies named Roland were born: 1964 (9 births), 1971 (10 births), and 1983 (10 births). This indicates that the name Roland became less common over time.
Despite this decline in popularity, it's clear that the name Roland has had a consistent presence in the United States throughout the 20th century. Each year, on average, around five babies named Roland were born. This demonstrates that while Roland may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, it remained a recognizable and chosen option for parents.
In conclusion, these statistics provide insight into the historical trend of the name Roland in the United States. They show periods of relative popularity followed by declines, but overall, they demonstrate that the name Roland has maintained a steady presence among American baby boys' names over time.