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Baby names

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Original poster

Roland

38 replies

RugbyWidow7 · 30/11/2013 20:23

My husband's grandfather was Roland and although I love the abbreviations of this name (Roly / Rolo) with our surname, I'm just struggling to imagine introducing my son as Roland. Is this just because it's not fashionable? Or isn't it a nice name? I know it's opinion only really, but I'm keen to know what others think. I do like a strong boys name but not sure if this is almost too strong. Thanks

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Tapiocapearl · 05/12/2013 23:52

Ro-land grange hill

Anjou · 05/12/2013 04:19

My first thought was also "oh come in Ro-land" a la Grange Hill. That's obviously not going to be an issue for anyone named Roland these days except for his friends parents not bring able to stop themselves from saying his name that way.

Associations aside, it's not my cup of tea. It's not a very strong name (I like strong boys names, but appreciate not everyone does), its not a nice sound (to my ears) and there is the possibility of a Roly-Poly nickname.

Sorry OP. use it as a middle name?

WhiteHairReally · 04/12/2013 23:20

Have taught two Rolands recently. Neither rotund or bullied.

Oldandcobwebby · 04/12/2013 09:40

I immediately thought of the old poem "Childe Roland from the dark tower came". I can be a clever clogs like Edmond Elephant at times! I like the name a lot, but I prefer to see it spelled "Rowland".

BananaNotPeelingWell · 04/12/2013 09:23

Ro-Land from Grange Hill also sprang to mind. Sorry.

Spaghettinetti · 04/12/2013 09:21

Hello rat fans! Sorry, I do think of Roland rat....I actually like the name, but dated a guy called Roland (who's now in his late 20s) who turned out to be a bit of a rat himself...

orangepudding · 02/12/2013 14:46

I think of Ro-Land and Roland Rat. The kids won't but their parents will.

roweeena · 02/12/2013 14:40

I love love love it but DH veto'd it

bebopanddoowop · 01/12/2013 18:51

The kid won't be the right generation to know about Roland the rat or Roland from Grange hill so I really wouldn't factor that in.

Leeds2 · 01/12/2013 12:50

It wouldn't be my choice. Think of Ro-land, Roland Rat and roly poly.

badtime · 01/12/2013 11:04

I like it.

It always makes me think of a 1920s chap, for some reason.

As far as heroes go, as well as Stephen King's Gunslinger, there is also the mediaeval Roland (who was one of King's influences/inspirations for the character).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanson_de_Roland

Buttercup4 · 01/12/2013 09:08

I do not like it at all, sorry.

JazzAnnNonMouse · 01/12/2013 09:00

Roland in my mind is rotund but cheeky.

moas · 01/12/2013 07:51

Like it! Also like Roald.

Dillydollydaydream · 01/12/2013 05:38

I know a Roland. His nickname is rat/ratty.

perfectstorm · 01/12/2013 05:19

He'll be bullied. Roly-poly. I like it, but I think it's cruel for a child, sadly.

IceNoSlice · 01/12/2013 04:08

Grange Hill. Ro-land! Sorry.

ItLooksLikeRainDearpOOD · 01/12/2013 03:09

Sorry 1st thought was rat & then that poor boy from grange hill.

squoosh · 01/12/2013 03:02

'I immediately thought of Roland Rat, then King Rollo, then Roly from Grange Hill.

When I think about it my childhood was littered with Rolands.'

We shared the same childhood!

OP Roland is not a good name.

JCMSD · 01/12/2013 02:52

My husband is a Roland but has been a Roly most of his life. He is now a Roland at work but often gets Ronald instead/ by mistake. I tend to call him Ro most often. Anyway, I think its a great name. Would ask dh what he thinks but he is busy snoring...

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/11/2013 22:27

Stephen King's Roland is wonderful. I love him.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 30/11/2013 22:21

I can only say it like Janet from Grange Hill too. But there will be a pretty narrow generation remember that .
Roland Gift is v cool.

mathanxiety · 30/11/2013 22:08

I really like the name.

dyslexicdespot · 30/11/2013 22:05

I really like it. We considered it for DS but named him after my father instead.

puntasticusername · 30/11/2013 21:58

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Deschain