Find out how popular the first name Roran has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Roran by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Roran is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 44 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Roran.

The history of the first name Roran

The given name Roran has its origins in the ancient Celtic cultures that existed across parts of Europe, including modern-day Britain and Ireland, as well as regions of Spain, France, and Germany. It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Celtic root word "ro," meaning "great" or "mighty," and the suffix "-an," which was a common ending used to form personal names.

This name first appears in written records dating back to the 5th century CE, when it was mentioned in various Celtic manuscripts and historical accounts. One of the earliest documented individuals with this name was Roran ap Cadwallon, a Welsh prince who lived in the late 6th century and was known for his military prowess in battles against the invading Anglo-Saxons.

In the 8th century, a Breton nobleman named Roran of Vannes was a prominent figure in the region of Brittany, France. He was known for his role in establishing several monastic communities and his support for the spread of Christianity in the area.

During the Middle Ages, the name Roran was particularly popular among the Irish and Scottish Celtic populations. One notable figure was Roran O'Conor, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 12th century and played a significant role in the conflicts between the Irish and the Anglo-Norman invaders.

In the 14th century, a Scottish warrior named Roran MacLeod was renowned for his bravery and leadership in defending the Hebrides islands against English and Norwegian forces. His exploits were celebrated in various Scottish bardic tales and legends.

Another historical figure bearing this name was Roran O'Donnell, an Irish chieftain and military leader who lived in the 16th century. He was a prominent figure in the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland and is remembered for his successful defense of Donegal against the forces of the English Crown.

While the name Roran has fallen out of common usage in modern times, it remains a significant part of Celtic cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of these ancient peoples.

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

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

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