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Name Origin

Roland is a Germanic name of French origin, derived from the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'land' meaning 'country' or 'territory'. Traditionally, it signifies 'famous throughout the land.' The name gained prominence through the medieval epic poem 'The Song of Roland', which tells the story of a heroic paladin who served Charlemagne.

germanicfrenchmedievalheroicfamewarriorloyaltylegend

Famous People

Roland Barthes (1915-1980)

Philosopher, literary theorist, critic

  • Structuralist theory
  • Semiotics
  • Literary criticism

Roland Deschain

Fictional character

  • Protagonist of Stephen King's The Dark Tower series

Roland Emmerich (1955-)

Film director, producer, screenwriter

  • Known for blockbuster disaster films such as Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow

Roland Garros (1888-1918)

Aviator, World War I fighter pilot

  • Pioneer in aviation, first man to fly across the Mediterranean Sea
  • The French Open tennis tournament is named after him