Origin & Meaning of the Roland Surname
What does the last name Roland mean?
The surname Roland carries the meaning "From a specific area of land." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 19,311 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Roland ranks as the #1,860 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Roland come from?
The Roland surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Roland name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Roland trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Roland |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a specific area of land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,860 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,311 |
| Per 100K People | 6.55 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Roland
According to the US Census, the Roland surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,311 Americans with the Roland last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.95% |
| Black | 22.1% |
| Hispanic | 3.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.25% |
Popularity of Roland Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Roland surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Roland surname increased by 569 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Roland ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Roland Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Roland
- ✓ The Roland coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Roland families live today
- ✓ Notable Roland bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Roland
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Roland.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Roland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roland
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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