Last Name Robichon

Learn more about the origin of the last name Robichon

The meaning and origin of the last name Robichon

The surname Robichon is of French origin, derived from the occupation name 'robbechaud', which means 'roof maker' in Old French. The name was likely given to individuals who worked as craftsmen specializing in roofing and construction. Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern form of Robichon. It is primarily found among French-speaking populations and their descendants. The name may also have been a locational surname for someone who lived near a place called 'Rocher', meaning 'rock' in French, as it was not uncommon for individuals to take their surnames from the locations where they lived or worked.

Geographical distribution of the last name Robichon

The surname Robichon is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions due to its origin from the Old French word "robi", meaning "famous," and "chon" or "chaume," meaning "young." Historically, it was mainly found in Normandy and Brittany, two regions in France known for their Viking influences. However, over time, people with the surname Robichon migrated to other French-speaking areas such as Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, where they established significant populations. In recent times, individuals with the last name Robichon can also be found in English-speaking countries like the United States and England, particularly among the descendants of French immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Robichon

The surname Robichon can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the common forms:

1. Robichon: This is the standard spelling, originally derived from French.
2. Robichaud: A variant that stems from a slight phonetic alteration, often found among descendants who have assimilated into English-speaking cultures.
3. Robicheau: Another variation with a slightly different pronunciation, also arising due to regional dialects or transcription errors.
4. Robichaud-Cote: A compound surname formed by combining the family names of two individuals over generations.
5. Robichon-Ducharme: Similar to Robichaud-Cote, this compound surname combines the Robichon and Ducharme family names.
6. Robin or Robins: In some cases, due to anglicization, the name may have evolved into these English forms over time.
7. Robichaud de la Londe: This is a noble French lineage that existed in the 13th century and can be found in Norman regions with connections to England.
8. Robichon-Villeneuve: Another compound surname, combining Robichon with Villeneuve, another French family name.
9. Robertshaw (English): An anglicized version of the original French surname, representing a more pronounced adaptation to an English-speaking culture.

Famous people with the last name Robichon

Notable individuals with the surname Robichaud include:

1. Danielle Robichaud, a Canadian actress who has appeared in various television shows and films such as "The L Word" and "Prairie Giant: The Tommy Douglas Story".
2. Émilie Robichaud, a Canadian journalist, author, and TV host who has worked for various media outlets including Radio-Canada and Télé-Québec.
3. Richard Robichaud, a French-Canadian ice hockey coach who served as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1980s.
4. Yves Robichaud, a Canadian politician who represented the Quebec Liberal Party and served as Member of the National Assembly for Montmagny from 2007 to 2018.
5. Robert Robichaud, a Canadian musician known for his work with the band The Flying Neutrinos and as a solo artist, releasing several albums in the 1960s and 1970s.

Genealogical research on the last name Robichon

The surname Robichon is of French origin, specifically from Normandy and Picardy regions. It derives from the occupational name "Robechon," meaning "the man who cultivates robinias" or "robioles" (a type of tree). The name is also found in the form Robichaud or Robichaud-Grenier, with Grenier signifying a person who lived near a granary. This surname was brought to North America by French colonists, primarily to Quebec, where it remains relatively common. In the United States, the highest concentration of the Robichon family can be found in Louisiana, due to French settlements established by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in the 18th century. Notable individuals with this surname include Canadian businessman and politician Arthur Robichon (1890-1968), and Louisiana musician Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, who was of mixed French, African, and Creole descent and whose family likely anglicized their name from Robichaux to Armstrong.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "robichon"
• 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 : 25 July 2025