Rollo

Definition: Rollo is a surname of British origin, believed to have Norman roots. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Hrólfr," meaning "famous wolf."

Historical Significance: The Rollo surname has historical significance as it is associated with the medieval Norman conquest of England. Rollo, also known as Rollo the Walker or Rolf the Ganger, was a Norse Viking who rose to prominence as the founder and first ruler of the Viking principality in what is now known as Normandy, France.

Norman Conquest: Rollo's descendants played a prominent role in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 under the leadership of William the Conqueror, also known as William I of England. The Rollo name thus became associated with the nobility and ruling class in England and France.

Distribution: The surname Rollo is relatively uncommon in modern times. It is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical ties to the Norman conquest, such as the south of England and parts of Scotland.

Variations: Variations of the surname Rollo include Rolle and Rolland, reflecting different transliterations and adaptations of the original Old Norse name.

Famous Bearers: Notable individuals with the surname Rollo include British film director and producer Andrew Rollo, and Australian songwriter, producer, and DJ Andrew Rollo, who is known professionally as Rollo Armstrong.

The Rollo surname carries a legacy of medieval conquest and nobility, linking back to the Viking origins of the Normans and their enduring influence on British history and culture.

There are approximately 1,379 people named Rollo in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,733rd most common surname in Britain. Around 21 in a million people in Britain are named Rollo.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Steven
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jean
  • Judith
  • Lorraine
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.