Does the name [name_m]Roland[/name_m] (or possibly spelling it Roeland?) sound/feel too similar to [name_u]Rowan[/name_u]?
It was one we had initially both liked early on in this pregnancy, but agreed to veto because there is a [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] in the family and thought it sounded too similar. We really don’t see this family member too often, but it still put me off of the name [name_m]Roland[/name_m] because I just really and not fond of the name [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] and wouldn’t want people constantly confusing a [name_m]Roland[/name_m] with [name_u]Rowan[/name_u].
No offense to anyone who loves [name_u]Rowan[/name_u]! It just isn’t my cup of tea and it seems like it has become SO common, at least where we live. I initially thought [name_m]Roland[/name_m] sounded/felt more like an old school revival name, but now it feels too trendy?
Thoughts? We just reread it and my husband and is back to “Not opposed” for [name_m]Roland[/name_m], so we might put it back on the list.
I’m just worried it a)feels too trendy and b)sounds too similar to [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] or might frequently be misheard as [name_u]Rowan[/name_u].
It probably varies from one accent to the next but I can tell you [name_m]Roland[/name_m] does not sound similar to [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] in my accent. If the ‘o’ makes the same sound in your accent then I can understand how it may occasionally be misheard.
But it’s the same as it is with [name_m]Cyrus[/name_m] and [name_m]Silas[/name_m], a name being misheard due to a noisy environment or because a person isn’t paying a lot of attention is going to happen occasionally to any name. No name avoids the problem entirely. I don’t think this particular mix up is likely to be a common occurrence.
[name_m]Roland[/name_m] and [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] have different vibes. [name_m]Roland[/name_m] is a charming name that feels slightly clunky and vintage in style. With [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] I first think of it as the Anglicized form of Ruadhán and then the [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] tree. I don’t see either name as trendy although nature names are on trend but not overwhelmingly so. I think you should give [name_m]Roland[/name_m] another chance if you like the name in all other ways.
They sound very similar but I don’t think its a big deal if they don’t live in the same household but of course thats up to you to decide! I wouldn’t mind it for cousins etc.
[name_f]My[/name_f] comments would be similar to those of @hellobanjo and I think fine as they are different names and a different style. Maybe you would like [name_m]Roman[/name_m]?
Too similar for brothers, but for distant relatives it’s absolutely fine! They’re very different styles (trendy vs. old-fashioned) too which helps make them feel different even if the sound is alike. I don’t think anyone would mishear [name_m]Roland[/name_m] as [name_u]Rowan[/name_u], that L sound is quite clear!
And [name_m]Roland[/name_m] definitely feels handsomely old-fashioned to me, not trendy at all !! It’s one of those grandpa names whose sound just happens to be on trend, while solidly remaining a grandpa name.
Like someone said in a noisy environment they could be misheard. But for cousins/nephews/uncles etc. I think it would be fine. Would you use a nickname for [name_m]Roland[/name_m]? That would make it even more distinct. Though I think it works either way.
Not for brothers but fine for distant relations, even close cousins - we have [name_f]Willa[/name_f], [name_f]Tilda[/name_f], [name_f]Belle[/name_f], and Lily-Jane who are all close gal cousins! They have different vibes anyway. (I really like [name_m]Rollo[/name_m] as a nn for [name_m]Roland[/name_m] - so long as first O said quickly.)
[name_m]Roland[/name_m] and [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] have different vibes, though similar sounds, to me. [name_m]Roland[/name_m] feels ‘clunky-old-man’ with a hint of coolness and a literary adventure type feel, whereas [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] feels softer, nature-y, more contemporary.
If you don’t see the family member very often, I think you could consider [name_m]Roland[/name_m]. [name_m]Roland[/name_m] and [name_m]Warren[/name_m] work well
I agree with the others, Too similar for siblings but not for family members. [name_m]Roland[/name_m] and [name_m]Warren[/name_m] are very handsome together.
They have different vibes anyway. (I really like [name_m]Rollo[/name_m] as a nn for [name_m]Roland[/name_m] - so long as first O said quickly.)