Last Name Robin

The last name "Robin" has origins in multiple regions and cultures. 1. English/French: In both English and French, Robin is a variant of the given name "Robert." Robert is derived from the Germanic name "Hrodebert," which means "bright fame" or "fame-shining." 2. Irish: In the Irish language, "Robin" or "Robín" is commonly used as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Robán," which means "little Robert." 3. Jewish: Robin is also a Jewish surname in some cases. It may be a variation of the Hebrew name "Rubin" or "Ruben," which means "behold, a son" or "behold, a man." 4. Russian: In some Russian surnames, "Robin" or "Robyn" may have originated as a diminutive form of the patronymic name "Robinson," meaning "son of Robert." It is worth noting that surnames can have multiple origins or different variations based on migration, assimilation, or regional influences. Therefore, the specific origin of an individual's last name "Robin" would require specific research into their family history.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Robin

The surname Robin has its origin in England and France. Derived from the personal name "Robin," it is a diminutive form of the name Robert. The name Robert comes from the Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame" or "glory," and "berht," meaning "bright" or "famous." As a diminutive form, Robin signifies "little famous one" or "little bright one."

The name Robin has been used as both a given name and a surname since medieval times. It gained popularity in England especially during the Middle Ages due to the widespread use of the name Robert and its diminutive forms. The surname Robin would have been initially bestowed upon individuals as a nickname distinguishing them as the son of a person named Robin or Robert. Over time, it became a hereditary last name passed down through generations. Today, the surname Robin can be found across the English-speaking world among the descendants of those who bore the name Robin or Robert in their family lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Robin

The last name Robin has a diverse geographical distribution across the world. In Europe, it is commonly found in regions such as France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. In France, Robin is one of the most popular surnames and is especially concentrated in the northwestern part of the country. In Belgium, it is also prevalent, particularly in the French-speaking regions. In the United Kingdom, the surname Robin is less common but can still be found, often associated with Welsh and Scottish ancestry.

Similarly, the last name Robin can be found in other parts of the world. In Canada, due to French colonization, the name Robin is present, especially in French-speaking provinces like Quebec. In the United States, the surname may be traced back to European immigration, with concentrations in states such as Louisiana and New York. Additionally, the name Robin is also found in other countries influenced by French culture, such as Haiti and parts of Africa. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Robin reflects its historical origins and subsequent migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Robin

The last name Robin is a fairly common surname with some variations and spellings. One common variation is "Robins," which adds an "s" to the end of the name to indicate plural or possessive forms. Another variation is "Robbins," which replaces the final "n" with two "n"s and adds an "s" to the end. This variant is derived from the Gaelic name "MacRobain," meaning "son of Robin." There is also the spelling "Robyn," which is a less common variant and likely originated from the French name "Robineau," meaning "little Robin." Some individuals may choose to spell the name as "Robbins," with two "b"s, possibly due to different phonetic pronunciation or personal preference. Overall, while the last name Robin may have diverse spellings and variants, they all likely bear a connection to the name Robin, which originates from the Old German word "Hruodpera," meaning "fame-bold."

Famous people with the last name Robin

There are several famous individuals who share the last name Robin. One prominent figure is Tim Drake, known as the third character to adopt the persona of Robin in DC Comics. He played a key role in the Batman series, showcasing exceptional detective skills and becoming a fan favorite. Another widely recognized person with the last name Robin is the legendary rock and pop musician, Robbie Williams. Known for his charismatic performances and catchy tunes, Williams has sold millions of albums worldwide and is considered one of the most successful British solo artists in history. Additionally, Mary Robin, a renowned actress and comedian, has made her mark in the entertainment industry with her talent and wit. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, have undoubtedly left an indelible mark and continue to inspire others with the name Robin.

Genealogical research on the last name Robin

The surname Robin is a patronymic name derived from the medieval given name "Robin," a diminutive form of Robert. The name Robert originates from the Old Germanic personal name "Hrodebert," which combines the elements "hrod," meaning "renown" or "fame," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "shining." The surname Robin is primarily found in England, France, and Scotland, and its variations include Robins, Robyns, and Robertson. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century, with John Robyn and Robert Robyn both mentioned in the Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire, England in 1379. Over time, branches of the Robin family spread across different regions, including North America, where the name became anglicized as "Robins" or "Robinson." Notable individuals bearing the surname Robin include Benjamin Robinson, an English inventor, and Claude Robin, a French professional football manager. Today, descendants of the Robin name can be found worldwide, tracing back to their ancestral roots in medieval Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Robin"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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