Roberts

Origin: The surname Roberts is of English and Welsh origin, deriving from the given name Robert, which is of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame". It is derived from the Old High German name Hrodebert, composed of the elements "hrod" meaning "fame" and "beraht" meaning "bright".

History: The surname Roberts is one of the most common surnames in Britain. It dates back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, and the name Robert itself was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. The Roberts name spread throughout England and Wales as the descendants of Robert took it as a surname.

Distribution: The surname Roberts is widespread across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas such as Wales, England, and Scotland. It is also a common surname in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other former British colonies.

Famous Individuals:

  • Julia Roberts: American actress and one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
  • Tony Roberts: British actor known for his roles in various TV shows and films.
  • Cynthia McLeod Roberts: Surinamese author known for her historical novels.

Coat of Arms: The Roberts family crest typically features symbols associated with honor, loyalty, and courage. It often includes a shield with heraldic elements such as lions, crosses, or crowns.

Notable Variants: Variants of the surname Roberts can include Robert, Robertson, Robson, and McRoberts.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
  • Cottle, B. (1983). The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames.

There are approximately 190,994 people named Roberts in the UK. That makes it the 11th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,933 in a million people in Britain are named Roberts.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Wales

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Welsh

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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