Last Name Robbes

Learn more about the origin of the last name Robbes

The meaning and origin of the last name Robbes

The surname Robbes is believed to be of French origin, derived from various places with that name in France. One such location is Robais, in the Nord department, which means "place of oak trees" in Old French. Another possibility is that it could have originated as a nickname for someone who was considered as strong or robust, as the word "robes" in Old French also means "strong" or "robust." The surname has variants like Robas, Robez, and Robais, and its distribution suggests a migration from France to other European countries, especially the Netherlands and Belgium. Over time, the spelling may have evolved due to various factors such as transliteration errors, regional dialects, and assimilation into other languages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Robbes

The surname Robbes is primarily distributed across Belgium and France, with significant concentrations in both countries due to their historical ties. In Belgium, the highest densities are found in West Flanders, Antwerp, and Brussels regions, suggesting an origin from these areas. In France, Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy also exhibit high frequencies of the surname. Smaller populations can be traced in other parts of Europe such as the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, possibly due to migration or familial connections with Belgium and France. Additionally, a few instances of the Robbes family name exist in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, likely as a result of European immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Robbes

The surname Robbes, with its origin possibly stemming from various European roots, exhibits several spelling variants and adaptations over time due to factors such as transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preference. Some of these variations include Robbess, Robbez, Robas, Robaas, Robeas, Robees, Robiis, Robais, Robez, Robasius, Robaise, Robaisse, and Roberge, among others. These variants may be found in different countries where the surname has been adopted, such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and English-speaking nations, reflecting migration patterns throughout history. It's essential to consider regional variations when researching genealogy and family history associated with this name.

Famous people with the last name Robbes

Notable individuals with the surname Robbes include:

1. Paul Robeson (1898-1976), an American actor, singer, and political activist who was also a versatile athlete and lawyer. He is best known for his roles in films such as "The Emperor Jones" and "Show Boat," and for his civil rights advocacy.

2. Eslanda Robeson (1895-1965), Paul Robeson's wife, was a Pan-African activist, writer, and anthropologist who played an essential role in promoting African culture and supporting the global struggle for independence.

3. Janet A. Robbins, a Canadian philosopher known for her work on ethics and moral psychology. She is currently a professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

4. Régine Robbes (born 1964), a Dutch writer who has written several children's books and a novel. Her works have been translated into multiple languages.

Genealogical research on the last name Robbes

The surname Robbes is believed to have origins in France, specifically in Normandy and Brittany regions. Its etymology suggests that it could be derived from the Old French "rober" meaning "to rob," indicating a possible occupation or location-based origin for some families bearing this name. Early records show the presence of individuals with the surname Robbes in France as early as the 13th century, such as Willelmus Roberti de L'Isle, who lived in Normandy during the 1200s. The surname spread across Europe and eventually reached North America with French colonization. In Canada, the name was particularly prominent in Quebec due to early settlements by French immigrants. Notable individuals bearing the Robbes surname include the Dutch artist Pieter van der Borcht III (also known as Rubens III), whose family originated from France but settled in the Netherlands. The Robbes family tree is vast and varied, with many branches across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "robbes"
• 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 : 26 July 2025