Surname Rollins - Meaning and Origin

Navigating through the Ancestry Tangle: The Unexpected Germanic and Celtic Roots of the Rollins Clan

Discovering my heritage through an iGENEA DNA test was like reading a gripping novel filled with unexpected turns, especially as it pertains to my surname 'Rollins'. Surprises abounded as I delved into the history and migrations of my ancestors, leading to an exhilarating mixed heritage. While I anticipated finding roots in Britain, the facts presented a story of an intertwined fate with ancient Celts and a Germanic origin.

D. Rollins

Rollins: What does the surname Rollins mean?

The surname Rollins is of Normandy origin, and primarily found in England and the United States. It is derived from the Norman given name "Rollo" or "Roland", which in Old German means "renown land" or "fame land", basically symbolizing a man from a famous or prominent land. It could also refer to a warrior or hero known for their fame. The surnames Rollins, Rolins or Rawlins may also be patronymic, meaning they were often created to acknowledge the father's name (Roland), denoting "son of Roland". The variations in the spelling of this surname happened over centuries due to a number of reasons, such as translation into other languages and different dialects within the same language.-

Rollins: Where does the name Rollins come from?

The last name Rollins is primarily found today in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. There are particularly strong populations in the southern United States (including Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia), with a significant presence in Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois as well. Throughout the United Kingdom, Rollins can be found in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Rollins is considered a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived by adding the suffix '-son" to a given male ancestor's name. Given names that could have created the Rollins surname include Rollo and Roland, which were first popularised throughout Europe during the Middle Ages (this was the time of the Crusades). The name Rollo has Norse origins and the original Rollo was a Viking warrior.

In the United States, Rollins can be found in genealogical records as far back as the 1600s, with early Rollins settlers coming to the Virginia Colony in 1619. Records from the 18th and 19th centuries show Rollins families residing in the south (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina) and more northern states of the Union (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri).

The 21st century has seen a resurgence of interest in the Rollins surname, and modern Rollins descendants can be found across the globe.

Variations of the surname Rollins

The surname Rollins has several variants. The most popular variant is Rollin, which is the French equivalent of the surname. Other variants include Rollings, Rollyns, Rolin, Rollan, Rolans and Rollo.

Rollin is the most common spelling of the surname. Historically, many people of English or Scottish origin adopted this variation. It is believed to be derived from the old Germanic name “Hrodolf” which means “renowned wolf”. Rollin is a popular spelling in France as well. It is believed to have originated from the Germanic name “Hrodulf” which means “renowned wolf”.

Other variations in spelling include Rollings, Rollyns and Rolin. Rollings and Rollyns are believed to be derived from the Old English word “roll” while Rolin is believed to be a derivative of Rollin. Rolans is another form of the surname, believed to be derived from the French word “rorlin” meaning “wolf-like”. The surname Rollo is derived from the Latin word “rollus”, which means “head of a family”.

Rollins is also a popular surname in Europe and North America. Some variations of the surname include Rollins, Rolliston, Rollinson and Rollans. Rolls is another variation of the surname, derived from the Old French word “roll” meaning “a head of a family”. The surname Rollins is also believed to have been derived from the name Rollin.

Overall, the surname Rollins is considered to be one of the oldest surnames in Europe and one of the most common in the United States. It has many variants and spellings, all of which reflect a common origin.

Famous people with the name Rollins

• Henry Rollins: an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and author who has written several books and gained attention for his intense live performances.
• Wayne Rollins: a former professional basketball player who played center for the Atlanta Hawks from 1974-1982.
• Monte Rollins: an American stage and film actor who was active in the early 20th century.
• Dizzy Rollins: an American jazz saxophonist and composer known for his distinctive style.
• Sonny Rollins: a prominent jazz saxophonist and composer who has won numerous awards and accolades including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 1990.
• John Rollins: a professional golfer who won eight PGA Tour events and achieved a peak world ranking of 34 in 2007.
• Isaiah Rollins: an American soccer forward who played for several teams including Coras de Nayarit from 2011-2018.
• Kimberly J. Rollins: an American poet and author who has written books regarding identity and urban life.
• Ambrose Rollins: an English cricketer and writer who played three first-class matches for Lancashire between 1862 and 1865.
• Isabelle Rollins: an American fashion designer and businesswoman who was the first African-American to win the coveted Coty Award.

Other surnames

RöllickeRölligRölling