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Rowland Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Rowland Surname

The Rowland surname is of English origin, emerging in historical records during the early 14th century. It derives from a given name, a common practice in medieval England, reflecting the traditions of naming and lineage. The name became part of many family identities as they established their histories amidst the social and political transformations of the time.

As the centuries unfolded, the Rowland name spread across England, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries. Families with the surname established themselves in various counties, often intertwining their fates with local events and governance changes. This period of expansion laid a strong foundation for the Rowland family tree, which would continue to grow and influence communities over generations.

YourRoots data provides valuable insights into the Rowland genealogy, confirming the surname's presence in England since the 14th century. The dataset highlights significant migrations, particularly in the 17th century, when many Rowland families crossed the Atlantic to the United States. This movement was part of a broader trend of migration, leading to the establishment of new Rowland family branches that continued to evolve in the New World.

Today, the Rowland family tree represents a rich tapestry of history and migration. The YourRoots data offers a valuable resource for genealogy enthusiasts, allowing them to trace their lineage and discover connections within the Rowland records, enhancing their understanding of family heritage and identity.

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Tracing Your Rowland Family Lineage

Origin of the Rowland Family: Where does the Rowland surname come from?

The Rowland surname first appears in records from England during the early 14th century, marking the beginning of a rich genealogical history. This initial appearance connects to the roots of many families as they began to establish their identities and family trees in a time of significant social and political change. The surname likely derives from a given name, which was common during that period, reflecting the traditions of naming and family lineage in medieval England.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Rowland

As the centuries progressed, the Rowland family began to spread across England, particularly flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries. Key regions of early settlement included various counties in England, where families established themselves and started to build branches of their family trees, often linked to local events and changes in governance. The growth during these times laid a strong foundation for subsequent generations, with families expanding their reach and influence within their communities.

During the 17th century, a significant migration of the Rowland family occurred, particularly as many sought opportunities across the Atlantic, leading to the establishment of Rowland families in the United States. This movement was representative of broader trends in migration during this period, where families sought new beginnings and expanded their genealogical lines. The connections forged in the New World allowed for the establishment of new family branches that would continue to grow and evolve over the following centuries.

Tracing the Rowland Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Rowland surname can be traced across various regions from one century to another, with notable growth in both England and the United States. In the 18th century, the Rowland family tree continued to flourish in the New World, with many families establishing roots and contributing to the burgeoning American society. By the 19th century, the surname had gained considerable prominence in the United States, with families spreading beyond their original settlements, further enhancing the global reach of the Rowland lineage.

In the 20th century, the Rowland surname saw continued presence and distribution, with families maintaining connections both domestically and internationally. The modern era has brought about opportunities for Rowland descendants to explore their heritage and connect with long-lost relatives through genealogical research. Individuals are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database to uncover their family history and trace their unique connections to the Rowland lineage.

Famous People with Rowland (and Their Family Tree)

Kelly Rowland

Kelendria Trene Rowland, known as Kelly Rowland, is a renowned American singer, actress, and television personality. Rising to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling girl groups, Rowland later embarked on a successful solo career. Her debut album "Simply Deep" included the hit "Dilemma" with Nelly. She achieved further success with albums like "Ms. Kelly" and "Here I Am," featuring international hits such as "Like This" and "Commander." Rowland is also a celebrated television figure, having served as a judge on "The X Factor" and a coach on "The Voice Australia," winning multiple awards, including five Grammys.

Kelly Rowland was born on February 11, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Doris Rowland-Garrison and Christopher Lovett. She has an older brother named Orlando. Rowland's mother left her father due to his abusive behavior and PTSD from the Vietnam War. They relocated to Houston, where Rowland lived with fellow Destiny's Child member Beyoncé, considering Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, as a maternal figure. Her early life was intertwined with the formation of Destiny's Child, which eventually led to her stellar music career.

Kevin Rowland

Kevin Rowland, born on 17 August 1953, is a renowned British singer and musician, best known as the frontman of Dexys Midnight Runners, a band noted for their hits "Geno" and "Come On Eileen," both of which topped the UK Singles Chart. Rowland's unique vocal style, influenced by his Irish heritage, helped define the band's soul-influenced sound. Beyond the band's initial success in the 1980s, Rowland also pursued a solo career and reformed Dexys in 2003, continuing to produce music and tour. His eclectic DJ sets and contributions to Irish folk music further solidify his legacy in the music industry.

Kevin Rowland was born in Wednesfield, Staffordshire, to Irish parents from Crossmolina, County Mayo. He spent his early years in Ireland before returning to Wolverhampton and later moving to Harrow. His Irish ancestry deeply influenced his music, especially with Dexys Midnight Runners, whose songs often reflect this background.

Oliver Rowland

Oliver Eric Rowland, a prominent British racing driver born on August 10, 1992, has made significant strides in motorsports, particularly in Formula E with Nissan. Known for his early success in karting, Rowland transitioned to Formula Renault, where he was runner-up in the championship and clinched the Graduate Cup. His prowess continued in Formula Renault 3.5, winning the title in 2015. Rowland's Formula One involvement included roles as a development and junior driver for Renault and Williams. In Formula E, he achieved his first win in the 2020 Berlin ePrix and has competed with teams like Mahindra Racing.

Dick Rowland

Dick Rowland, also known as Roland, born Jimmie Jones around 1902, was an African American teenager and shoeshiner in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His arrest in May 1921 for alleged assault against white elevator operator Sarah Page was a catalyst for the Tulsa Race Massacre. The incident, misreported as an assault by a local newspaper, led to a violent confrontation resulting in significant destruction and numerous casualties in the Greenwood District. Though Rowland was arrested, charges were dropped when Page declined to prosecute. Keywords: Dick Rowland, Tulsa Race Massacre, shoeshiner, Sarah Page, Greenwood District.

Rowland was born Jimmie Jones and became an orphan by 1908, living with two sisters in Vinita, Oklahoma. He was informally adopted by Damie Ford, an African American woman, who later moved with him to Tulsa. There, he adopted the surname Roland from Ford's family and chose the first name Dick.

Tiny Rowland

Roland Walter "Tiny" Rowland was a renowned British businessman and corporate raider, best known for leading the Lonrho conglomerate from 1962 to 1993. He gained significant attention for his ambitious takeover attempts, including a high-profile bid for Harrods. Rowland's complex business ventures spanned newspapers, hotels, and textiles, with notable expansions in Africa. Despite facing a challenging High Court case in 1973 and criticism from British Prime Minister Edward Heath, he retained his position at Lonrho. He controversially took over The Observer newspaper in 1983 and engaged in business dealings linked to Libya. In 1996, Nelson Mandela honored Rowland with the Order of Good Hope.

Born Roland Walter Fuhrhop in 1917 in a British internment camp in India, Rowland was the son of an Anglo-Dutch mother and a German father, Wilhelm Fuhrhop, a trader in Calcutta. The family relocated to Hamburg, Germany, after World War I due to being "enemy aliens." In 1937, opposing the Nazi regime, Rowland's father moved the family to Britain, where Rowland adopted his uncle's surname and served in the British Army. His parents were interned on the Isle of Man during World War II, where his mother passed away.

Rowland Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Rowland" is of English origin. It is a common surname shared by many notable individuals across various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Rowland

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Rowland family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Rowland surname to learn more.