Roll is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic element "hrod" which means "fame". It was originally used as a surname, but it has since become more popular as a given name for boys.
The name Roll is believed to have been introduced into England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was brought over by French-speaking nobles who settled in England after the invasion. Over time, the name evolved and became anglicized to its current spelling of "Roll".
In medieval times, Roll was often used as a given name for boys, particularly among noble families. However, it is not clear exactly how popular the name was during this period. Today, Roll is still a relatively rare name, but it can be found in various countries around the world.
Overall, Roll is a unique and historic name with a strong connection to medieval German and French culture. Despite its rarity today, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for a less common name for their son.
In the United States, the name Roll was given to five babies in 1881. That makes it the year with the most recorded births bearing this particular name. Overall, since 1880 when birth records started being tracked by Social Security, approximately five people have been named Roll in total. This rare name has seen fluctuations over time, with some years having no recorded births and others having just one or two. It's clear that the name Roll is not among the most popular choices for parents in the United States, but it remains a unique option nonetheless.