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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Give it to me straight- Roland?

142 replies

TeddyTonks · 31/03/2022 19:54

Nickname Roly.

What do you think?

OP posts:
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SpringIntoChaos · 31/03/2022 22:00

I used to work with a Roland...who was rather unfortunately 'full bodied'. You can imagine his nickname 😨

Geminimama88 · 31/03/2022 21:50

Being honest...really dislike it

SpringsSprung · 31/03/2022 21:50

🐀

woodhill · 31/03/2022 21:49

Remember the song

A Froggy would a wooing go

Hey ho said Roly

Etc

WimpoleHat · 31/03/2022 21:46

I like it. It’s unusual, but still a “proper” name.

deadlanguage · 31/03/2022 21:45

Roland Rat and Grange Hill are both before my time, the reason I don’t like it is because I studied the chanson de Roland and think he was a prat. I’d also avoid Perceval!

GuiltyPleasure · 31/03/2022 21:44

I'm thinking OP has been inspired by tonight's Eastenders 😂

nocoolnamesleft · 31/03/2022 21:44

God help Roly if he's overweight.

woodhill · 31/03/2022 21:43

@GeodesicDome

'I'm only trying to help you, Ro-Land '.

All us Grange Hill fans will LOVE you Grin

Exactly that - stuck in my mind forever - Janet bleating in at gormless Roland in Grange Hill Smile
Original poster
TeddyTonks · 31/03/2022 21:41

Grin this thread has really made me laugh. You've not entirely put me off but definitely given me some things to consider. Maybe Ratty could be an affectionate nickname?! Grin

OP posts:
Eloise666 · 31/03/2022 21:33

Same instant reaction as pps: (i)Roland Rat. (ii) Roly Poly. Also (iii) Roly/Rollie (as in a cigarette).

BotterMon · 31/03/2022 21:28

I dated a gorgeous Swede called Roland so it's a yes from me.

HopefulProcrastinator · 31/03/2022 21:22

The Gunslinger from the Dark Tower books, flawed but ultimately a good person.

I like the name, but I'd never get away with it because my husband's connection is always Roland the Rat.

AppleButter · 31/03/2022 21:21

Middle aged german guys from the provinces are called Roland, also Till and Hartmut.
Roland is the german form of Orlando, paladin of charlemagne.

But makes me think of ronald macdonald.

theAntsareMyFriends · 31/03/2022 21:17

I didn't watch much TV growing up so don't get the TV references. I also think 'Childe Roland to the dark tower came' which is by Robert Browning, Roland from Elidor and The Song of Roland. All very heroic.

I have a 7 year old Roly in the family and he loves his name. He does get called Slowly Roly because he's very laid back.

Also don't let Roly Poly put you off. Overweight children may or may not get teased but their name won't have much bearing on this in my experience.

Sillybillypoopoomummy · 31/03/2022 21:16

There is nothing wrong with the name. It does not have connotations to genitalia, or to any form of controversy. no child will think of Roland Rat and if their parents tell them, well, the problem is not the name. YOu have to pick your most loved name for your child, to reflect your love. Other people do not factor into that. It is between you, your partner/husband and what you think suits him Smile

OldWivesTale · 31/03/2022 21:05

Fat boy from Grange Hill

DisforDarkChocolate · 31/03/2022 21:04

Roland - yes.

Roly - no.

LesLavandes · 31/03/2022 21:04

Don't do it!

Luredbyapomegranate · 31/03/2022 21:03

@DogsAndGin

Seen Schitt’s Creek?! Roland is trailer trash and the name suits him perfectly
🙄 you can like it or not like it but it’s an old literary name.
Luredbyapomegranate · 31/03/2022 21:02

It’s alright I think.

If your family has any tendency to chubbiness maybe not.

TitilatedOcelot · 31/03/2022 21:02

I know an adult Rowland (spelled that way), people thought it was a joke and not his real name - probably because he grew up In the era of Grange Hill, Roly the dog and Roland Rat!

Might be ok these days?

Roly the poodle was definitely apricot/light coloured. Wellard was blackConfused

Sillybillypoopoomummy · 31/03/2022 20:53

Byron - "childe roland to the dark tower came"
can't get more classic/romantic than that!

20viona · 31/03/2022 20:49

Fuck no

OneDayIWillBeOrganised · 31/03/2022 20:48

@Manekinek0

Came to say rat but pp beat me to it.
Same -sorry!Sad