Rowland

Rowland is both a surname and a given name of English origin. It derives from the medieval given name Roland, which in turn comes from the Old High German Hrōdland, literally meaning "fame land" or "glory land." In English-speaking regions, Rowland developed as a surname from the given name and has various spellings, including Rowlands, Roland, and Rolands.

As a given name and as a surname, Rowland has been borne by many individuals across fields such as sports, politics, science, and the arts. The name is common in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other English-speaking areas. The form Rowland is also used as a place name, and there are several places in the United States named Rowland, including a town in North Carolina, among others.

In addition to personal names, Rowland appears in cultural and institutional contexts where the root name Roland is prominent, including literature and media. The name’s endurance reflects broader medieval name traditions that produced many modern surnames and first names in English-speaking communities.