Orlando

What does the baby name Orlando mean? Learn about what Orlando means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Orlando - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Orlando
O-R-L-A-N-D-O, is a 7-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Orlando
awr-LAHN-do
or LAN do
Meaning of Orlando
Renowned in the land, city in florida, from the famous land, famous land, land of gold.
Origin of Orlando
The name 'Orlando' can be traced back to the Italian language, where it originated as a variant of the name Roland. Roland, in turn, has its roots in the Germanic name Hruodland, composed of the elements 'hruod' meaning 'fame' and 'land' meaning 'land' or 'territory'. The earliest known use of the name 'Orlando' dates back to the Middle Ages, particularly in Italian literature and poetry.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Orlando
Land
Lando
Lannie
Lanny
Oland
Ordando
Orlan
Orlo
Roland
Rolando
Roldan
Roley
Rolland
Rollie
Rollin
Rollo
Row
Rowland
Ruland
Popularity of Orlando
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Orlando' has experienced fluctuations. In the Middle Ages, it gained prominence through the epic poem 'Orlando' Furioso' by Ludovico Ariosto. This literary masterpiece played a significant role in popularizing the name, particularly in Italy and among scholars. However, its usage declined in subsequent centuries.

In the modern era, the name 'Orlando' saw a notable spike in popularity in the early 20th century. This can be attributed to the influence of the renowned British author Virginia Woolf and her novel 'Orlando'. The book, published in 1928, tells the story of a nobleman who mysteriously transforms into a woman and spans several centuries. Woolf's novel breathed new life into the name, capturing the imaginations of readers and leaving an indelible mark on literary history.
Orlando currently has 114 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked boy's names. The name Blaine is slightly more popular than Orlando.

Etymology of Orlando

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Orlando' has its roots in the Germanic name Hruodland. The elements 'hruod' and 'land' combine to convey the meaning of 'fame' and 'land' or 'territory'. This etymology highlights the association of the name 'Orlando' with notions of renown and connection to the land.

Cultural Significance of Orlando

The name 'Orlando' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Italian literature, particularly in the works of Ludovico Ariosto and Dante Alighieri, the name 'Orlando' is associated with chivalry, heroism, and romance. It embodies the ideals of honor, bravery, and loyalty.

Furthermore, the name 'Orlando' has gained recognition in African American culture due to the influential figure of 'Orlando' Patterson. Patterson, a Jamaican-born sociologist, has made significant contributions to the study of slavery, freedom, and social theory. His work has had a profound impact on academia and has elevated the name 'Orlando' within intellectual circles.