Last Name Rollos

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rollos

The meaning and origin of the last name Rollos

The surname Rollos is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "rol" or "roulle," meaning wheel. It was often used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked with wheels, such as a miller or a cart-maker. Alternatively, it may have been a nickname for someone thought to be strong and sturdy, like a wheel, or perhaps for someone who had an unpredictable or erratic behavior, as the rolling of a wheel can be unsteady. The Rollos family was also significant in Scottish history, with the Rolls of Aberdeen being a prominent clan that played a role in the country's legal system during the Middle Ages. The family's name is associated with the Brett Roll, a historical document containing records of property transactions in Scotland dating back to the 12th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rollos

The surname Rollos is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, reflecting its potential origin from these regions. In Spain, it is most concentrated in the northern autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque Country, as well as in Galicia, indicating a historical connection to those areas. In Portugal, it is more dispersed but has significant presence in the northern region of Minho. Outside of Iberia, there are notable populations of individuals with the last name Rollos in Latin America, particularly in countries such as Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, due to migration from Spain during the colonial era. In addition, there is a smaller concentration of Rollos in the United States, primarily in areas with high populations of Hispanic descent, such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rollos

The surname Rollos has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across geographical regions. Here are some common variants: Rollo, Rolle, Rolaus, Rollos, Rolloix, Rollaux, Rollaud, and Rollausse. These variations may arise from changes in pronunciation or the influence of local languages. Additionally, surnames can be modified over time due to factors such as immigration, religious conversion, or simple spelling errors. In some cases, Rollos may also have different meanings in various cultures. For example, in Basque, "Rollos" could mean "the big one." However, it's important to note that the origins of surnames can be complex and often not definitively traced.

Famous people with the last name Rollos

Notable individuals with the surname Rollos include:

1. Francisco Y. Rollo (born 1942), a retired Filipino Supreme Court Associate Justice who served from 1993 to 2006.

2. Marissa Aroy (born 1968), an American journalist, author, and filmmaker of Filipino descent. She is best known for her Emmy-winning documentary "A Little Girl Like Me."

3. Daniel Rollos Beck, a Filipino composer, conductor, and musician known for his work with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

4. Joseph Rollos, a Filipino artist who specializes in realistic oil paintings and is a member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).

5. Rolando T. Dy (born 1960), a Filipino economist and professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific. He served as the undersecretary for policy and planning at the Department of Trade and Industry from 2016 to 2020.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as law, journalism, music, art, and economics.

Genealogical research on the last name Rollos

The Rollos surname is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region, and is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd or herdsman, 'rollero' or 'arrola', meaning 'shield' or 'umbrella' due to the protective function of the shepherd's staff. The surname Rollos has been documented in Spain since the late Middle Ages, particularly in regions like Navarre and Aragon. In the 15th century, some members of the Rollos family moved to Italy, where they became prominent figures in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily. Francisco de los Rollos y Ribera, a jurist from the Spanish Empire, played an important role in the Unification of Italy in the 19th century. The Rollos name can also be found in South America due to colonial expansion by the Spanish. Today, individuals with the surname Rollos are dispersed across Spain, South America, and other parts of the world where their ancestors immigrated.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rollos"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 25 July 2025