Surname Rolen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rolen: What does the surname Rolen mean?
The surname Rolen is of Anglo-Saxon origin, traced back to ancient times in the British Isles. Its derivation is believed to be from "Rolon" or "Rolf," a Old Norse name popular among Viking invaders. This name combines the elements "hrod," meaning "renown," and "wolf," meaning "wolf." Thus, it can be interpreted as an epithet for a person who was known for their wolf-like qualities, such as fierceness or cunning, or it may be from a personal name, indicating son or descendant of Rolon/Rolf. Over time and due to the lack of standardized spelling in early history, the name morphed into various forms, one of them being Rolen. Like many surnames, it was likely used initially to distinguish between different individuals with the same first name. It's important to note that meanings can vary depending on geographical origins and translations.
Order DNA origin analysisRolen: Where does the name Rolen come from?
The last name Rolen is most commonly found in the United States today. Although the exact origins of the name are unknown, Rolen is a variant of the German and Dutch surname Rollin. It is thought to come from a personal name Rollo, which was popular around the Middle Ages due to the legendary Norse Viking Rollo.
Today, individuals with the surname Rolen can primarily be found in the southern states. In 2020, Rolen is the 4,659th most common surname in the United States, according to Census data. Specifically, it is most frequently found in Kentucky, Texas, and Georgia, where it ranks within the top 1,000 most popular surnames.
Rolen is not exclusive to the United States, however. It can also be found across Europe, especially in France, the Netherlands, and Germany. In France, it is thought to have been introduced in the 1100s by the Normans who invaded to conquer the area, and its variants Rolland and Roland are still common today. In the Netherlands and Germany, the last name could have been acquired as early as the middle ages, and it is still sometimes used as a first name in those countries.
Overall, the last name Rolen can be found in the United States, as well as other countries in Europe. Although its exact origin is obscure, it is believed to have originated from the Norse Viking, Rollo, and is still fairly common in certain areas today.
Variations of the surname Rolen
The surname Rolen is a patronymic surname derived from a German given name, from which several variants are derived. These variants could refer to the same family line, with different spellings and surnames derived from the same origin.
The most common variants of the surname Rolen include Rollen, Roelen, Roolen, Röllen, Rollin, Rolin, Rollens, and Rullen.
The surnames Rolen and Röllen both derive from the Middle High German “role” which refers to a kind of wheel, or possibly from a nickname for a person with good dance moves.
The surnames Roolen and Roelen are derived from the Old German “hrod” which means "fame” or “glory.”
The surname Rollin is derived from the Old German “hrodhelm” (“fame-helmet”) which is the same root as Roolen.
The surname Rolin derives from the Old German “hrodwin” (“fame-friend”).
The surname Rollens could be related to the Old German “hruot” (“fame”) or a related variant “hrol” (“praise”).
The surname Rullen could also be derived from a German given name, from “hruodwulf” (“fame-wolf”).
Thus, although the surname Rolen has many variants, they all derived from the same origin, though their meanings differ slightly. Whether they are spelled differently or sound similar, they ultimately all refer to the same family origin.
Famous people with the name Rolen
- Scott Rolen: former professional baseball player for seven major league teams, three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- Gary Rolen: professional football player who played for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1990s.
- Royce Rolen: professional race car driver.
- Holly Rolen: professional film actress.
- Rikki Rolen: professional ballet dancer.
- Brett Rolen: professional tennis player who reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2013 and the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2014.
- Brandon Rolen: professional soccer player who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
- Raina Rolen: professional golfer and two-time LPGA Tour winner.
- Patrick Rolen: professional cyclist and winner of the Vuelta a Espana in 2020.
- Chris Rolen: professional actor best known for his roles in action films such as "The Expendables" and "The Bourne Identity".