Rolando is a name of Italian origin, derived from the Germanic name Hrodland, which consists of the elements "hrod" meaning fame and "land" meaning territory. Thus, Rolando can be translated to mean "famous land." This name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as the Italian poet and composer Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" featuring a character named Rinaldo (the Italian form of Rolando). The name has also appeared in various works of literature and art, further contributing to its enduring appeal. In Spain, Rolando is particularly popular due to the hero Roland, who played a significant role in the Battle of Roncevaux during the medieval period. Overall, Rolando is a strong and distinguished name with a rich historical background that has made it appealing to parents across various cultures throughout generations.
The name Rolando has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1916 and 1929, the number of babies named Rolando remained relatively low, with an average of about 10 births per year.
However, starting from 1932, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Rolando. The number of babies named Rolando peaked in 1946 with 58 births, and this high level of popularity continued until 1959 when there were 274 births.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a steady increase in the number of babies named Rolando. The peak was reached in 1975 with 423 births. After this point, the popularity of the name began to decrease slowly but steadily until the late 1980s.
From 1990 onwards, the number of babies named Rolando has seen a significant decline. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend is downwards, reaching as low as 157 births in 2020 and 163 births in both 2022 and 2023.
In total, since 1916 until present day (2023), there have been 24,148 babies named Rolando born in the United States. This figure reflects a long-standing tradition of this name in American society. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Rolando remains an enduring and unique choice for parents seeking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history.