| Of Norman-French origin, this surname has it's roots in Bretagne, where the name has been seated since ancient times. It is also related to Welsh, Scottish, Cornish, and Norwegian (Norse Men). The name has many diminutive forms: Rollo, Rolling, Rollin, Roland, Raulin, Roulen, Rollant, and many more. It is said that the many diminutive forms of the surname are derived from Hruodlant, Hruod=fame/victory and lant=land or territory. Hruodlant was a warrior for Charlemagne and died in defeat at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. It is said that the song was sung by subsequent warriors marching off to battle, in rememberance of their fallen hero. The "Song of Roland" is the oldest surviving major work of French literature. |