Roland m
English and French, also German and Scandinavian: derived from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements hrōd fame + land land, territory. The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It was borne by a legendary Frankish hero, a vassal of Charlemagne, whose exploits are related in the Chanson de Roland. The subject of the poem is Roland's death at the Battle of Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees in 778, while protecting the rearguard of the Frankish army on its retreat from Spain. Roland is depicted in literature and legend as headstrong and impulsive. His devoted friendship with the prudent Oliver is also legendary. In Italian literature he appears as ORLANDO (SEE Orlando).
Variant: English: Rowland.
Cognates: Welsh: Rolant. Italian: ORLANDO (SEE Orlando). Spanish: Roldán. Portuguese: Roldāo. Hungarian: Loránd.
Feminine form: French and English: Rolande (rare).
First names dictionary. 2012.