Roles

Roles is a British surname of English origin. The name is derived from the medieval personal name "Rolf", a diminutive of "Hrodwulf", meaning "renowned wolf". The surname Roles is recorded in various spellings including Rolfe, Rolfs, Rolph, Roll, and Rolles.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Roles dates back to the 12th century in England during the reign of King Stephen. The Roles family has been documented in various regions throughout Britain, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Sussex.

The Roles surname has been borne by notable individuals throughout history, including artists, musicians, politicians, and academics. One of the most famous bearers of the surname is the English actor Sir Mark Rylance, whose ancestors were known by the surname Roles.

The name Roles continues to be found in contemporary Britain among individuals with ancestral ties to the original bearers of the surname. The family name has retained its significance and heritage over the centuries, making it a notable part of British genealogy and history.

There are approximately 914 people named Roles in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,906th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Roles.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Brian
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Carol
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Pauline
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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