The surname Robeson is of English origin and it is believed to have derived from various locations named Robeson or Robson in Northumberland and Durham counties in northeast England. These places were named after the Old Norse personal name Rauðr, meaning "red," and bjórmr, meaning "bear." So, the surname Robeson is ultimately derived from a Norse name meaning "son of the red bear" or "red bear's son."
Some notable individuals with this surname include actor and singer Paul Robeson (1898-1976), who was an important figure in American civil rights and culture, and Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) whose married name was Susan B. Anthony Robeson. However, it's worth noting that the surname is not exclusively linked to any particular person or event in history.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Robesson
The meaning and origin of the last name Robesson
The surname Robeson originates from England and is a variation of Robert's son. It derives from the Middle English given name Robert, which means "bright fame," and the Old Norse byname Hrötr, meaning "fame" or "renown." The suffix "son" indicates that the original bearer was the son of a man named Robert or Hrötr. Over time, the surname has been spelled in various ways, including Robeson, Robison, and Robbinson, due to phonetic changes and regional variations in name spellings during the Middle Ages. The surname became more widespread throughout England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Notable bearers of the surname include the American actor, singer, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson (1898-1976).
Geographical distribution of the last name Robesson
The surname Robeson has its roots in France, specifically Normandy, where it is believed to have originated as a variant of the place-name "Robeusson" or "Robec." Over time, it was brought to England by Norman conquerors and subsequently spread throughout the British Isles. In the United States, the name Robeson is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly North Carolina and Virginia, due to early European settlers migrating from Britain. Today, the distribution of the surname Robeson can also be observed in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in France, reflecting both historical migration patterns and cultural influences. Notable figures bearing the name include the American actor and singer Paul Robeson and the British actress Cynthia Robeson.
Variants and spellings of the last name Robesson
The surname Robeson has various spelling variations and can be found under different forms across diverse regions. Some of these include Robison, Robbinson, Robertson, Robartson, Robarthson, Robarston, Robbersen, Robarzynski, and Roberszoon. These variations may have arisen due to differences in transcription, translation, or regional dialects over time. The name is believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon 'robba' meaning 'robbery' or 'red' and 'son', denoting a son of someone associated with these terms.
Famous people with the last name Robesson
Paul Robeson, a prominent figure in the 20th century, is one of the most renowned individuals with the surname Robeson. An accomplished actor, singer, and political activist, he gained fame for his powerful performances in stage and film productions such as "Othello" and "Show Boat". Robeson's strong baritone voice and charismatic presence captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond his artistic achievements, Paul Robeson was also a passionate civil rights advocate, using his platform to speak out against racial inequality and injustice in the United States. Another notable figure with the last name Robeson is Susan Robeson, an American author and poet known for her work on race and gender issues. Her book, "The Undocumented: New and Selected Poems," explores these themes through powerful and thought-provoking verse.
Genealogical research on the last name Robesson
The Robesson surname originates from France, specifically Normandy, where it is believed to have been first used as a nickname for a person who was strong or robust. Variations of this name include Robin, Robinet, and Roberge. The name spread throughout France during the Middle Ages due to migration and feudal practices, but a significant number of Robessons can be traced back to the region around Caen in Normandy.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many Robesson families migrated from France to the New World, primarily settling in Canada and the United States. In Canada, some early settlers included Philippe Robesson, who arrived in Quebec in 1645, and Pierre Robesson, who settled in the same province in 1702. In the U.S., records show that Jean Baptiste Robesson arrived in Louisiana in 1769.
In the United States, Robessons have been well-represented in various industries throughout history, including military service, agriculture, and politics. Notable figures with this surname include Henri de Tonti, a French-Canadian explorer who fought for both France and the U.S., and George Roberson Sherman, a Union general during the American Civil War.
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