Last Name Robe

Learn more about the origin of the last name Robe

The meaning and origin of the last name Robe

The surname Robe is primarily of French origin, derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the Old French "robe," which means clothing or garment. This name could have been occupational for someone who was a tailor or a seamstress. Another potential origin is a toponymic name, meaning it was given to someone who lived near a place named Robe. Robe is also a place in France, located in the department of Yvelines. The surname has also been found in England since the 13th century, and it is believed that some instances of the name may have been anglicized from the French form "Robin" or "Robert." The modern English spelling of the name, Robe, is less common compared to the more popular Robert or Robin but still maintains its historical roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Robe

The surname Robe is predominantly distributed across France, particularly in the northern and western regions such as Brittany, Normandy, and Picardy. It's also common in Quebec, Canada, due to French colonization. Additionally, the name can be found in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, countries with historical ties to France. Robe is less prevalent but still present in other parts of Europe such as Spain, Italy, and England. In North America, it's also found in the United States and has been traced back to French-speaking or French-origin settlers. On a global scale, Robe is relatively rare compared to common surnames, but its distribution reflects historical migration patterns of French speakers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Robe

The surname Robe has several variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences. Some common variants include Robert, de Roberts, Robertson, Robarts, Robart, Robartes, Robear, Robb, Robie, Robey, Robitsch, Robotham, Robitaille, and Robitzer. These variations may have originated from different locations or periods, reflecting the migration and evolution of surnames over time. The most common variant is Roberts, which can be found in many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In addition to these variants, there may be other regional or personal variations based on pronunciation, spelling conventions, or translation from other languages.

Famous people with the last name Robe

Notable individuals with the surname Robes include:

1. Louis Robes (1863-1923), an American physician and bacteriologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of typhoid fever and its treatment.

2. Bill Roberson, better known by his stage name Ras G (born 1970), an American musician, producer, and DJ who is a prominent figure in the Los Angeles beat scene.

3. Aline Mayagoitia Robes (born 1964), a Mexican politician who has served as a Senator for the State of Mexico since 2018.

4. Robert J. Robbins (1952-2021), an American pathologist, cancer researcher, and administrator who was the President and CEO of Texas Medical Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

5. Pierre de Marivaux, Comte de Vaugelas, and Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu, while not having Robes as their surname, are notable French figures whose surnames derive from the French word "robe" (meaning robe or dress), and were adopted by members of the Robespierre family.

Genealogical research on the last name Robe

The surname Robe is believed to have originated from France and is derived from various regional names or occupations. One such origin suggests that it could be a locative name from places named Robé or Robés, found in the modern regions of Normandy and Brittany. Another possible source is the Old French word "rober," meaning a dyer who used woad (a blue dye) to color cloth. The surname has several variations including Robin, Roberge, and Rober, which may have arisen due to spelling variations in early records or from migrating families settling in different regions. Notable individuals with the Robe surname include Jean-Baptiste Robineau de Beaumaris, a French colonial administrator and military officer, and Henry Robbins, an American actor and comedian.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Robe"
• 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 : 23 July 2025