NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rollon

What is the origin of the last name Rollon?

The Rollon family, also known as the Rolloins or Roumions, were a Norman noble family that originated from the region of modern-day France, specifically from the city of Rouen, in Normandy. The name is believed to derive from the Old French word "roule", meaning wheel, due to their ancestor, Rollo (Rollo the Great), who was said to have been a giant with wheels for legs. The Rollon family rose to prominence during the 9th and 10th centuries, becoming counts of Rouen in the late 10th century. They are best known for being one of the founding families of the Duchy of Normandy, and their descendants, including William the Conqueror, played significant roles in English history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rollon

The meaning and origin of the last name Rollon

The surname Rollon is of Norman origin, tracing back to the influential ducal family of the Duchy of Normandy during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from "Rollo," an historic figure who was the first ruler of Normandy and the founder of the Rollo-dynasty. Rollo, also known as "Ragnar Hairy-Paws" in Norse, was a Viking who settled in Normandy at the end of the 9th century, under a treaty with King Charles III of France. The name Rollon signifies "Rolling Wagon," referring to Rollo's arrival in Normandy aboard a cart or wagon, according to Norse sagas. Over time, the surname has evolved into various spellings, including Rolland, Roulleau, and Roullier, reflecting regional dialect differences and phonetic shifts over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rollon

The surname Rollon is primarily associated with France and its Norman region, specifically the Duchy of Normandy, where it originated from. William the Conqueror (1028–1087), also known as Guillaume le Bâtard, Duke of Normandy and later King of England, was a member of the Rollon or Robertine family. The name spread to England due to the Norman Conquest in 1066, where it has remained common, particularly in areas with strong Norman connections like Yorkshire, East Anglia, and the south coast. Over time, descendants of the Normans carrying the Rollon surname also migrated to other parts of Europe, such as Ireland, Scotland, and the Iberian Peninsula, leaving their mark on these regions' genealogies. Today, variations of the name can be found in several countries, especially those with a historical connection to France or England.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rollon

The surname Rollon has various spellings and variants throughout history and geography. One of the most common spellings is Rollon, which can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England. Other variations include Rollo, Roland, Rolle, Rolles, Rollins, and Rollinson. These variations may arise from different regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or intentional modifications to fit local naming conventions. For example, in French-speaking areas, the name might be written as Rolland or Roland, while in English-speaking areas it could be spelled as Rollon or Rollo. It is essential to note that the various spellings do not necessarily imply distinct lineages or genealogies; they are often merely different transcriptions of the same ancestral name.

Famous people with the last name Rollon

William the Conqueror, also known as William I or Guillaume le Couronné in French, is one of the most well-known individuals bearing the surname Rollon. Born in 1028, he was the Duke of Normandy and later King of England after invading and conquering the country in 1066. His mother, Arlette or Adeliza D'Arques, was a daughter of Richard III, Count of Rouen and Duchess of Normandy. Another notable Rollon is Robert I, also known as Robert Curthose or Robert the Elder, who succeeded his father William as Duke of Normandy. He was a key figure during the reigns of both William the Conqueror and his brother Henry I of England. The Rollon dynasty ruled Normandy for nearly two centuries until the death of Richard the Lionheart in 1199.

Genealogical research on the last name Rollon

The Rollon family, also known as the Rolloids, are of Norman origin and trace their lineage to Rollo, who was a Viking leader and the first Duke of Normandy. Born around 860 AD, Rollo invaded France in 911 AD at the invitation of King Charles III. After his victory, he was granted the Duchy of Normandy by the king. Rollo's descendants continued to rule Normandy for centuries and intermarried with other powerful European families, such as the Capetians of France, the House of Flanders, and the House of Anjou. The Rollon line ended in 1204 when Richard I, Duke of Normandy, was killed at the Battle of Bouvines. Today, numerous branches of the Rollon family can be found across Europe, with many prominent members throughout history, including William the Conqueror and Henry II of England.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Rol milaguet (Last name)

surnames > rol-milaguet

I cannot provide specific information about the origin of the last name "Rol Milaguet" as it does not appear to have a well-known origin or history. It is possible that the last na...

Rolan mangloona (Last name)

surnames > rolan-mangloona

The last name "Rolan Mangloona" appears to have Spanish origins. "Rolan" is a variant of the name "Roland," which is of Germanic origin, meaning "famous throughout the land." "Mang...

Rolden (Last name)

surnames > rolden

The surname Rolden is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the personal name Roldán, which in turn comes from the Germanic name Hrōþiland, meaning "famous land" or "glory land....

Roldi (Last name)

surnames > roldi

The last name "Roldi" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Ravaldi," which is itself derived from the Germanic name "Gerald," meaning "rule of the spear."

Roleine (Last name)

surnames > roleine

The last name "Roleine" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Roland", which itself comes from the Germanic name "Hrōþiland", meaning "famous thro...

Rolle-antiporda (Last name)

surnames > rolle-antiporda

The last name "Rolle Antiporda" is of Filipino origin, with "Antiporda" being a common Filipino surname. The name "Rolle" may have been influenced by Spanish colonization in the Ph...

Rollheiser (Last name)

surnames > rollheiser

The last name Rollheiser is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "rollen," meaning to roll, and the word "heiser," meaning house or dweller. Therefore, ...

Rolmin (Last name)

surnames > rolmin

The last name "Rolmin" is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Rolmar," which is composed of the elements "rol" meaning "fame" and "mar" meaning "famous.

Rolpale (Last name)

surnames > rolpale

The last name "Rolpale" is of unknown origin and does not have a specific meaning in English. It appears to be a rare or uncommon surname.

Rolusta (Last name)

surnames > rolusta

The surname "Rolusta" is of uncertain origin and meaning. It does not appear to have a well-documented origin or history.

Rolvar (Last name)

surnames > rolvar

The last name Rolvar originates from Norway. It is a variation of the Old Norse name Hróaldr, which means "famous ruler."

Roly r (Last name)

surnames > roly-r

The last name "Roly" likely originated as a variation of the French surname "Roux", derived from the word for "red". It may also have roots in the Middle English word "rolly", mean...