Orlando

updated Sept 2015

Orlando ~ Famous Land ~ Italian

I always learn a lot when I research a name, and I can safely say that I had no idea such a unique and interesting name would have originated from the name Roland. Roland doesn't exactly catch my interest, but Orlando is a much different story. Brought to our attention recently via Orlando Bloom, this name sounds much more modern and cultured than its predecessor. Adding to its appeal is the fact that Orlando is also a place name that can be attributed to the Florida city (in the same vein as other popular names of cities like Madison or Aspen). If you're a Disney fan, this name is a subtle nod to the happiest place on earth.

History
Few names that sound trendy have such a striking history. Orlando was the name of a character in Shakespeare's play As You Like It, written in 1599. It's the Italian form of Roland, which was also the name of a fictional character in Renaissance literature. The word Roland has German roots, using a combination of the term for "famous" and "land". But it's the Italian form that has us fascinated. And even if Orlando doesn't sound like a typical boys name, it's been in use in America for a very long time, maintaining a quietly steady status and hitting a high point in the 70s.

Popularity

Orlando has fallen a bit in popularity. When this post was originally written it ranked at #367. Today, it's ranked at 558 (for 2014). This name seems to have found a home in the mid 500s, where I think it'll stay for a few years. If you choose the name Orlando, your son will probably never have to share it with a classmate. It's got a beautiful but original feel, and the -o ending is refreshingly on trend.

Potential Nicknames

• Orli
• Lando
• Andy

Celebrities named Orlando

• Orlando Bloom
• Orlando Jones
• Orlando Brown