The surname Rolin is of French origin. It is derived from a given name Roland, which was popular during the Middle Ages. The name Roland comes from the Old High German Hrodland meaning "famous land" or "renowned ruler". The surname evolved as a nickname for someone who played the role of Roland in a play or as a habitational name for someone living near such a place named with this given name, or a topographic name for someone living by a slope or hill associated with an oak tree (from Old French roine, rolent meaning "roll").
Learn more about the origin of the last name Rolin
The meaning and origin of the last name Rolin
The surname Rolin originates from France and is derived from various places bearing the same name. One of the most notable origins is from the town of Rolle in the department of Vaud, Switzerland, which was inhabited by people from France during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to be a derivative of the Old French word "rou(e)lle," meaning small wheel or cogwheel, possibly referring to a specific occupation or residence near a mill. Another possible origin is from the Norman-French term "roel," which meant a young bull, suggesting a patronymic name for someone's son. The Rolin family gained significant prominence in France during the 15th century with Jean Rolin, who served as Chancellor of Burgundy under Philip the Good and was influential in arranging marriages between the House of Valois-Burgundy and other European nobility.
Geographical distribution of the last name Rolin
The surname Rolin has a significant presence primarily within France and its French-speaking regions, most notably Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In France, it is particularly concentrated in the eastern regions such as Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté, and Burgundy. The name also appears in other parts of France but at lower frequencies. In Belgium, it is predominantly found in the Wallonia region, with pockets in Flanders and Brussels. In Switzerland, Rolin is mainly distributed in French-speaking cantons like Vaud, Geneva, and Neuchâtel. The name has also spread to other countries due to immigration, with a notable presence in Canada, particularly Quebec. Additionally, some instances of the surname can be found in other parts of Europe, North America, and Africa, primarily among French diaspora communities.
Variants and spellings of the last name Rolin
The surname Rolin has several variants and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some of these include:
* Roline
* Rollin
* de Rolin
* Delarolin
* De Rolines
* Rolinski (a Slavic variant)
* Rollins (an English variant, often Anglicized from the original French form)
These variations may arise due to factors such as historical changes in spelling conventions, regional dialects, and personal preferences. It is also possible for a single family to have different spellings of their surname, especially if the name has been passed down through multiple generations and migrated across borders.
Famous people with the last name Rolin
The Rolin family has produced several notable figures in various fields throughout history. One of the most renowned is Jean Rolin (1435-1495), a French jurist, scholar, and politician who served as Chancellor under Charles VII and Louis XI during the late Middle Ages. He was instrumental in drafting important legal documents such as the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges.
Another prominent figure from this family is Jean-Pierre Rolin (1794-1873), a French general who fought in the Napoleonic Wars and played an essential role in the Battle of Waterloo, commanding the 2nd Light Cavalry Division under Marshal Ney.
In the contemporary era, Swiss artist Franziska Boas (born 1965) uses the name Rolin as a tribute to her grandfather, the art collector and founder of the Fondation Beyeler, Ernst Beyeler-Rolin, thus extending the family's artistic legacy. These notable individuals represent the diverse accomplishments and enduring influence of the Rolin family across centuries and continents.
Genealogical research on the last name Rolin
The Rolin surname is of French origin, derived from various locales named "Rolin" found in Normandy and Picardy regions of France. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name is Hugues de Rollins, who lived during the 12th century. Over time, the family expanded throughout Europe, with notable Rolins appearing in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and England. In Belgium, the Rolin family rose to prominence in the 15th century when Jacques Rolin served as Chancellor of Burgundy under Philip the Good. His grandson Jean Rolin became Archbishop of Mechelen and Primate of Hungary in the early 16th century. The name also gained significance in England during the Tudor era, with Sir Thomas Rolle serving as Lord Chief Justice under King Henry VIII. Today, the Rolin family can be found worldwide, with a notable concentration in Belgium, France, the United States, and Canada.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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