Find out how popular the first name Rollie has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rollie by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rollie is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rollie.

The history of the first name Rollie

The given name Rollie has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the Germanic word "hrod," which means fame or renown. This name was prevalent in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, primarily between the 5th and 11th centuries.

Rollie is a diminutive form of the Old English name Rodolphus, which later evolved into the more modern form of Rodolfo or Rodolph. The name was particularly popular among the nobility and upper classes of Anglo-Saxon society, as it conveyed a sense of prestige and distinction.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rollie can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of land ownership and taxation compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. In this document, several individuals with variations of the name, such as Rolf and Rolfe, are mentioned as landowners and tenants.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Rollie or its variants. One prominent figure was Rollie Massimino (1934-2017), an American college basketball coach who led Villanova University to the NCAA championship in 1985. Another was Rollie Fingers (born 1946), a Hall of Fame baseball player known for his exceptional relief pitching skills and distinctive handlebar mustache.

In the realm of literature, Rollie Pinsker (1907-1989) was a notable American author and playwright, best known for his works exploring Jewish American life and culture. The name Rollie also appears in the writings of Shakespeare, with the character Rollo in the play Henry VI, Part 1.

Moving to the world of music, Rollie Pemberton (1942-2018) was a Canadian musician and songwriter, renowned for his contributions to the rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Additionally, Rollie Salley (1926-2014) was an influential American jazz saxophonist and composer who performed with legendary artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan.

While the name Rollie may have waned in popularity in recent times, its historical significance and connections to various cultural spheres remain noteworthy. From its Anglo-Saxon roots to its enduring presence in various fields, the name Rollie has left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rollie was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rollie, please contact us.

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