Rollo
/ˈrɒləʊ/noun
Rollo was a 10th-century Viking leader traditionally regarded as the founder and first ruler of Normandy.
Did you know?Rollo is generally identified with the Norse leader Hrólfr, who converted to Christianity and became the ancestor of William the Conqueror’s Norman dynasty.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*Hrōþiwulfaz
“A compound name meaning “fame-glory wolf” or “renowned wolf.””
Early Medieval Period
Old Norse
Hrólfr
“A shortened form of the Germanic name, meaning “famous wolf.””
9th–10th Century
Old Norse
Hrólfr
“The personal name associated with the Viking leader later known in Latin and French sources as Rollo.”
10th Century
Medieval Latin
Rollō
“Latinized form of Hrólfr, used in written accounts of the Viking ruler of Normandy.”
10th–11th Century
Old French
Rollon
“French form of the name, appearing in Norman historical traditions.”
Modern English
English
Rollo
“The conventional English form of the name of Normandy’s Viking founder.”