Roland

[RugbyWidow7]

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

[JazzAnnNonMouse]

Roland in my mind is rotund but cheeky.

[Buttercup4]

I do not like it at all, sorry.

[badtime]

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

[Leeds2]

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

[bebopanddoowop]

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.

[roweeena]

I love love love it but DH veto'd it

[orangepudding]

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

[Spaghettinetti]

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...

[BananaNotPeelingWell]

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

[Oldandcobwebby]

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".

[WhiteHairReally]

Have taught two Rolands recently. Neither rotund or bullied.

[Anjou]

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?

[Tapiocapearl]

Ro-land grange hill