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Last Name Rolo

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What is the origin of the last name Rolo?

The surname Rolo is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a personal name, which was popularized by Rolando, a heroic character in medieval epic poetry. The name Rolando comes from the Old High German Hrodland and later developed into Rodolfo or Rudolf in other languages, including French and English. In Portugal, the name underwent phonetic changes to evolve into Rolo as a surname.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Rolo

The surname Rolo is primarily of Portuguese origin, derived from a diminutive form of the given name Roland, which is of Frankish origin. In Old High German, Roland meant "famous land" or "renowned ruler." Over time, the Portuguese adopted the name as Rolão, and its diminutive form Rolo became a popular surname in Portugal. The spelling variations of the name include Rollo and Rollos, which may also be found among Portuguese immigrants in other countries. As with many surnames, the migration of people from their original homelands has resulted in the dissemination of the Rolo surname across various regions worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rolo

The surname Rolo has a significant presence in Portuguese-speaking countries due to its origins from Portugal. According to data from various sources, it is most prevalent in Portugal itself and the neighboring country of Brazil, both being former colonies where the name was brought by Portuguese settlers. Outside of these regions, there are noticeable populations with the Rolo surname in other parts of Latin America, particularly in countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde due to historical migration patterns. In addition, small communities bearing this last name can be found in other European countries such as Spain and France, reflecting Portuguese immigration during various historical periods. Furthermore, there are also instances of the Rolo surname in African countries like Guinea-Bissau, reflecting the influence of the Portuguese Empire's colonial legacy.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rolo

The surname Rolo has several variations and spellings due to regional differences and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include Rollo, Rolle, Rolleau, Rollo, Rollow, and Rolls. In Portuguese, the name Rolo is often used as a first name, but can also be a surname. In French, it may also be spelled as Rollet or Rolletto. These variations are primarily found among families of Portuguese, French, or Italian origin. However, due to migration and assimilation, the name has spread globally and may appear in different spellings based on local customs and phonetic transliteration. It is essential to note that these variations do not indicate any differences in the family's ancestry or genealogy but rather reflect cultural and linguistic influences over time.

Famous people with the last name Rolo

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Rolo is Diego Roldan, a professional footballer who played as a midfielder for LDU Quito and the Ecuadorian national team. He was part of the Ecuador squad that qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Another well-known figure with the last name Rolo is Marlon Wayans, an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and writer. Known for his work in films such as "Scary Movie," "White Chicks," and "Dance Flick," he is part of the Wayans family, a prominent African-American acting dynasty. Lastly, Carlos Roldan, also known by his stage name Roldán, is a Mexican musician specializing in traditional Mexican music, particularly son jarocho. He is a prominent figure in the revival and promotion of this musical genre.

Genealogical research on the last name Rolo

The surname Rolo originates from Portugal, where it is believed to be derived from the occupational name for a drummer or trumpeter, 'rolador'. The name first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, particularly in the Kingdom of Galicia and the County of Porto. Over time, emigration caused by economic and political reasons led many individuals with the surname Rolo to settle in various regions, including Brazil, the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe. In Portugal, the name is most common in northern regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Notable persons with the last name Rolo include Portuguese musician José Mário Branco Rollo and Brazilian footballer João Pedro da Silva Rollo. The global distribution of the Rolo surname reflects its historical origin and the migration patterns of its bearers over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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