The surname Rowland is of Welsh origin. It derives from the personal name "Rhodri," which means "wheel ruler" or "ruler with a wheel." The name was common in Wales during the medieval period and later came to be used as a surname. Over time, variations of the name have evolved, including Rowland, Roland, and Rowling.
The surname Rowland has its origins in the medieval period and is of Welsh and English origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Roland," ultimately derived from the Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "land," meaning "land" or "territory." The popularity of the name can be attributed to the famed medieval epic "The Song of Roland," which celebrated the valor and heroism of the knight Roland in the court of Charlemagne. The name spread throughout England and Wales during the Middle Ages and became Anglicized as Rowland. Variations of the surname include Roland, Rolland, and Rawlinson. Those bearing the surname Rowland can often find their ancestors linked to ancient battles, chivalry, and leadership, due to the name's heroic connotations. Today, Rowland is a relatively common surname primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States.
The last name Rowland is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the distribution of the Rowland surname is relatively widespread, with significant concentrations in states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. These areas are often associated with historical migrations of English settlers. In the United Kingdom, Rowland is more prevalent in Wales, particularly in the southern parts including Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, and Pembrokeshire. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations in England, especially in counties like Devon, Somerset, and Lancashire. The surname Rowland is derived from the Germanic personal name "Hrod-land," which means "fame-land" or "famous land." Over time, variations may exist such as Roland or Rowlands. The geographical distribution of this last name suggests a strong connection to Anglo-Saxon heritage and English-speaking communities.
The last name Rowland has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. One common alternative spelling is Roland, which drops the "w" but retains the same pronunciation. Another variation is Rolan, which also eliminates the "d" at the end of the name. In some cases, the "o" in Rowland may be replaced with an "e," resulting in Rewland or Reeland. Additionally, it is not uncommon to find Rowland as a compound name, such as Rowlandson or Rowlander, where an additional suffix has been added. Throughout history, the spelling of surnames has often been subject to change due to migration, language differences, or simple human error in record-keeping. It is important to note that these variations and spellings should not be seen as separate families, but rather as different representations of the same ancestral name, Rowland.
There are a few famous individuals with the last name Rowland who have made significant contributions in various fields. One notable figure is Kelly Rowland, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained international fame as a member of the iconic girl group Destiny's Child, along with Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams. Kelly's solo career also flourished, with hits like "Dilemma" and "Motivation." Apart from music, Rowland has appeared in movies, judging panels, and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Another well-known figure with the last name Rowland is Ida B. Wells, an influential African-American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist. Wells was a fearless advocate for racial equality and women's rights, using her pen to expose the horrors of lynching and fight against injustice. Her writings played a prominent role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. These individuals exemplify the talent, resilience, and advocacy that the name Rowland represents.
The genealogical research on the last name Rowland reveals a fascinating lineage that can be traced back several centuries. The surname Rowland is of English origin and derives from the medieval personal name "Roland," meaning "renowned land" or "famous throughout the realm." The earliest known record of the Rowland surname dates back to the late 13th century in England, suggesting that the family has a long-standing presence in the region. Over the years, the Rowland family expanded and became well-established in various parts of the British Isles, including Wales and Scotland, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Branches of the family have been involved in a range of occupations, including agriculture, trade, and professions such as law and medicine. Through diligent research and the study of historical records, it is possible to uncover a detailed family tree and discover the many fascinating individuals who have carried the esteemed Rowland surname throughout history.
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > rowa
The surname Rowa is of English origin. It is likely derived from the Old English word "rawe" which means "row" or "line." It may have originally been a topographic or occupational ...
surnames > rowaida-essam
The last name "Rowaida Essam" is of Arabic origin. "Rowaida" is a feminine Arabic name meaning "gentle" or "comfort", while "Essam" is a common Arabic last name meaning "safeguard"...
surnames > rowais
The last name "Rowais" is of Arabic origin. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "ar-rūwais," which means a small watering hole or cistern.
surnames > rowida
The last name "Rowida" is of Arabic origin. It is likely derived from the Arabic word "rawidah," meaning “intelligent” or "wise."
surnames > rowiecki
The last name Rowiecki is of Polish origin. It is a surname derived from the Polish word "rowy" meaning "ditch" or "trench." The suffix "-ecki" is a common Polish surname ending, i...
surnames > rowinski
The last name "Rowinski" has its origin in Poland. It is derived from the personal name "Rufin", which itself originated from the Latin name "Rufinus".
surnames > rowis
The surname Rowis is of English origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Rowe, which is a topographic name for someone who lived by a hedgerow or a row of houses, or a...
surnames > rownzwi
The last name Rownzwi is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "rowny," meaning "equal" or "level." This surname may have originally been used to describe someone wh...
surnames > rowthar
The last name "Rowthar" is of South Asian origin, specifically from Tamil Nadu, India. It is derived from the Tamil word "Rao" meaning king or ruler, and the suffix "thar" which de...