Surname Rollant - Meaning and Origin

Rollant: What does the surname Rollant mean?

Rollant is an ancient French surname, which can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to have originated from a given name, which is a variation of the Germanic name "Rohlant". This was the name of a French saint, who was canonized in about 960.

The meaning and origin of Rollant are not definitively known. However, it is thought to be derived from a combination of two Germanic words: "hroda", which means "fame" or "renown," and "lanthaz", meaning "land." When combined, these words could give the meaning of someone who is renowned or famous in their land, or who has a large reputation.

Rollant is an uncommon name today, but it is still found throughout France, especially in the regions of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. It is also found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. In the US, the name is most common in California, but also in Minnesota, Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey.

Overall, Rollant is an old surname with an uncertain meaning. However, it gives insight into a French hero from long ago who was renowned in his land. It is now used in many countries and gives a unique character to everyone who bears the name.

Rollant: Where does the name Rollant come from?

The last name Rollant is most commonly found in France. It is also found in Belgium, a country with a Francophone population. The name is found in the French-speaking countries of Europe, in the French Caribbean, and in French-speaking Canada. The Rollant surname can also be found in countries with French immigrant populations, such as Switzerland, the United States, Australia, and Brazil.

In France, the spelling of the name has evolved over time. Rolland is a common spelling, as is Rollandet and Rollans. These spelling variations make the name easier to spell and harder to trace, but the linguistic origins of the name point toward a single family name.

The origin of the name itself is uncertain. It may derive from the Old Germanic Root words "Hrod" or "Hruod," meaning "renowned," and "land" or "lande," meaning "land". This would place the origin of the name in the medieval period in Europe.

French genealogy resources list numerous settlers of the Rollant surname as early as the 16th century, so the name clearly dates back centuries. Today, Rollant is a very common name in France and in French-speaking areas around the world.

Variations of the surname Rollant

Rollant is an uncommon surname with many variants and associated spellings throughout Europe. Commonly it is spelled Roland, Rolland or Rowland, and many other variations can be found, such as Rolent, Rolond, Rollent, Rowlande and Rowlandson.

In Normandy in the Middle Ages, the surname was established by the Rollant family, whose ancestor was Rollant 1, count of Valois. His grandfather was Louis the Pious, the son of Charlemagne. Rollant and his family were given the nickname 'Blanchemains' which means 'white fists', from the white gloves they were known to wear to hide their calloused hands.

In France, the most popular spelling of Rollant is Roland, which is used by many noble families in that country. This can also be found in other French-speaking countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco, and variants such as Rolland and Rowland are also relatively common.

The surname has spread across Europe to Scotland, England, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the Netherlands. In Scotland the variants Rawlings, Rowlands and Rorland are most common, while in England the spelling Rowland is the most popular. In Ireland, the spelling Rollin is most widely used, while in Germany the spelling Roloff is most common. In Sweden and the Netherlands Rowlands is most prevalent.

The variations of Rollant show the significant influence that the Normans had on Europe and how they established a surname which is still used throughout many different countries today.

Famous people with the name Rollant

• Joel Rollant: a French author, journalist and politico-economic expert.
• Thierry Rolland: a French professional football manager and former player.
• Wace Rollant: a French architect of the 14th century.
• Jean Rollant: a French sculptor, illustrator and medalist who died in 1962.
• Vincent Rollant: a French ice hockey goaltender.
• Alexandre Rollant: a French film director and screenwriter.
• Philippe Rolland: a French humanitarian photographer.
• Bertrand Rolland: a French lawyer and politician.
• Sophie Rolland: a French athlete.
• Édouard Rollant: a French bassoonist and composer.

Other surnames

Rolland