Roland \r(o)-la-nd\ as a boy's name is pronounced ROH-land. It is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Roland is "renowned land". Roland is celebrated in French and Italian poetic and romantic sagas as a hero in the service of Charlemagne. Orlando is more common in several European languages, and Rowland was the preferred version in English in the past.
Roland has 16 variant forms: Lannie, Lanny, Orlando, Roeland, Rolando, Roldan, Roley, Rollan, Rolland, Rollie, Rollin, Rollins, Rollo, Rolly, Rowe and Rowland.
For more information, see also the related name Rawlins.