The name Roland is derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" meaning "fame" and "land" meaning "land" or "territory." It emerged as a personal name during the medieval period in Europe, particularly in France and Germany.

In the 8th century, the name gained widespread recognition and popularity due to the legendary figure of Roland, a Frankish military leader who served under Charlemagne. The heroic exploits of Roland were immortalized in the famous epic poem "The Song of Roland," which narrates his bravery and ultimate death at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass during the Frankish campaign against the Muslims in Spain.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Roland was Roland of Parma, an Italian ecclesiastic and philosopher who lived in the 12th century. Another notable figure was Roland of Cremona, an Italian translator and commentator who lived in the 13th century and made significant contributions to the transmission of Arabic scientific texts to the West.

During the Middle Ages, the name Roland was also associated with various noble families across Europe. In England, for instance, the Earls of Richmond bore the name Roland. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Roland Bandinelli, an Italian sculptor and architect from the 12th century, known for his contributions to the Romanesque style.

In literature, the name Roland gained further prominence through the works of writers such as Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" (1590-1596), which featured a character named Roland. In the 19th century, Robert Browning's poem "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came" (1855) further popularized the name.

Other notable historical figures with the name Roland include Roland Barthes (1915-1980), a French literary theorist and philosopher; Roland Garros (1888-1918), a French aviator and the namesake of the famous French Open tennis tournament; and Roland Petit (1924-2011), a French choreographer and dancer.

The name Roland has maintained a consistent presence throughout history, carrying the connotations of bravery, heroism, and nobility associated with its legendary origins.