Last Name Roba

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roba

The meaning and origin of the last name Roba

The surname Roba is primarily of Hebrew origin, with possible variants like Ro'ba, Rauha, or Rabia, found among Jews, Arabs, and some African ethnic groups. Its etymological roots can be traced back to the Hebrew language, where it means "exalted" or "elevated." In Arabic, the name might be derived from "Rubayat," which signifies "the fourth (daughter)" in a family.

In various African cultures, particularly in Somalia and Ethiopia, Roba can represent tribal names or clans, such as the Roba people of the Oromo tribe in Ethiopia. Over time, as individuals from these cultures migrated or assimilated into other societies, the name Roba became widely dispersed across the world. Today, it remains a common surname in various regions, reflecting its rich and diverse history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roba

The surname Roba is primarily distributed across North Africa and parts of Europe, particularly Morocco, Algeria, France, and Spain. In Morocco, it ranks among the most common surnames due to its Berber origins, with concentrations in regions such as Taza-Al Hoceima-Tanger and Oriental. In Algeria, the name is also widespread, notably in regions like Oran and Bejaia. The presence of Roba in France is mainly linked to North African immigrants, particularly from Morocco. In Spain, the surname Roba can be found predominantly among the Basque population due to a similarity with the Basque word "hobar," meaning farm or estate. Additionally, some families of Spanish Jewish descent may carry this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roba

The surname Roba has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some of these include Robah, Robba, Robaia, Robaj, and Robeau, among others. Each variation may have originated from different regions or ethnic groups, and their usage can vary based on geographical location and historical context. For example, the Italian and Spanish versions are more likely to be spelled as "Roba" or "Robba," while the Arabic version might be "Robaah" or "Robah." It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname often depends on the family's specific heritage and history. In genealogical research, understanding these variations can help in tracing family roots more accurately.

Famous people with the last name Roba

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Roba are:

1. Jean-Marc Roba (1963-present), a French comics artist and animator, known for his work on series such as 'Astérix'.
2. Lila Robas-Macchia (1947-present), an American meteorologist and television personality who worked with the Weather Channel.
3. Mouna Roba (1980-present), a French actress known for her roles in films like 'The Intouchables' and 'Les Tuche 2'.
4. Ahmed Roba'a (1950-present), an Egyptian politician who served as Minister of Social Solidarity and Speaker of the Parliament.
5. Djibril Diop Mambéty, also known as Djibril Roba Diop Mambéty (1945-1998), a Senegalese filmmaker who is considered one of the pioneers of African cinema. His films include 'Touki Bouki' and 'Hyenas'.
6. Yves Roba, a French racing driver and former rally co-driver, who won the 1974 Rallye Sanremo and finished second in the 1975 Tour de Corse.

Genealogical research on the last name Roba

The surname Roba is of Hebrew origin and is believed to be a variant of the biblical name Robert, which means "bright fame." This name was brought to Europe during the Crusades by Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Palestine. In Spain, it evolved into the surnames Rodriguez, Robles, and Roba, among others.

The earliest known reference to the surname Roba is found in a document from Toledo, Spain, dating back to 1296. The family was prominent in the Jewish community of Castile during the Middle Ages. Following the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Robas emigrated to Portugal, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire.

In the 17th century, a branch of the Roba family settled in Morocco, where they became known as the Bnou-Roba or "sons of Roba." They were notable scholars, poets, and leaders of the Jewish community. The Roba family continued to spread throughout North Africa and the Middle East, with significant populations found today in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Israel.

In modern times, the Roba name has been adopted by Christians as well as Jews due to its popularity and appeal. The name is now found worldwide, with a significant presence in Spain, Portugal, the United States, Canada, France, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Roba"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025