The name is probably derived from the Old Norse word róða which means "pole" a reference to a mountain peak behind the farm.

The official blazon is "Azure, three terns volant argent" (Norwegian: I blått tre oppflyvende sølv terner, 2-1).

This means the arms have a blue field (background) and the charge is a group of three flying terns.

The bird design has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

Three major fjords cut into the landscape: the Brandsfjorden in the north, Bersfjorden in the central part, and the Skjørafjorden in the south.

The landscape was very hilly, with bare mountaintops reaching 400 to 600 metres (1,300 to 2,000 ft) above sea level.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Roan is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

Here is a list of people who held this position:[31][32][33][34] Almost all the inhabitants lived along the coast or in the Hofstaddalen valley.