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

Popularity of Rollo by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rollo.

The history of the first name Rollo

The name Rollo has its origins in the Old Norse language, tracing back to the Viking era in Scandinavia. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Rólf," which is a contracted form of the words "hróðr" meaning "fame" and "ulfr" meaning "wolf." The name can be interpreted as "famous wolf" or "renowned warrior."

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Rollo was Rollo the Viking, also known as Rolf the Ganger or Rollon, who lived from around 846 to 932 AD. He was a Norse Viking leader who became the first Duke of Normandy after successfully conquering parts of northern France. His descendants went on to become the ruling dynasty of Normandy and played a significant role in the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Another early recorded use of the name Rollo can be found in the Orkneyinga Saga, a historical narrative from the 12th century that chronicles the history of the Earls of Orkney. The saga mentions a character named Rollo, who was a powerful jarl (earl) in the Orkney Islands during the late 9th century.

In the 13th century, a German knight named Rollo von Hochdorf was mentioned in various historical records, including the Codex Manesse, a renowned medieval German manuscript containing poems and illustrations of famous knights and nobles.

During the 16th century, an Italian painter named Rollo Marghinotti gained recognition for his religious artworks, particularly his altarpieces and frescoes in various churches across Italy.

In the 18th century, Rollo Gillespie was a Scottish military officer who served in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. He was born in 1766 and is remembered for his role in the Battle of Vellore in 1806, where he successfully suppressed a mutiny by Indian sepoys.

The name Rollo has been used throughout history, spanning different cultures and eras, and has been carried by various notable figures, from Vikings and nobles to artists and military leaders. Its origins can be traced back to the Old Norse language, reflecting the rich heritage of Scandinavian names and their association with fame, valor, and strength.

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 Rollo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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