Robin (surname)

Robin is a surname of English origin. Derived from the medieval personal name 'Robin,' which itself is a diminutive of the name 'Robert,' Robin is a patronymic surname. It was widely used in England, Wales, and Scotland, and is believed to have Norman-French roots.

Etymology:

The surname Robin derived from the old Germanic name Hrodebert, composed of the elements hrod, meaning "fame," and beraht, meaning "bright" or "famous." The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Distribution:

The surname Robin is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions with significant Anglo-Saxon and Norman influence. It is also found in Wales and Scotland, where it may have been anglicised from the Gaelic name Mac Roibin.

Notable Bearers:

  • Dickon Robin (1781–1847): A renowned British botanist and horticulturist, known for his contributions to the study of plant taxonomy.
  • Evelyn Robin (1903–1951): A prominent British writer and editor, known for her literary works that highlighted social issues in post-war Britain.
  • Gary Robin (b. 1965): A popular British actor, best known for his roles in several acclaimed theatre productions and television dramas.

Coat of Arms:

The Robin family crest typically features a shield with symbols representing strength, fidelity, and honour. The crest may also include elements such as lions, swords, or oak trees, symbolising various virtues associated with the family name.

In conclusion, the surname Robin has a rich history in England and Scotland, with notable bearers contributing to various fields of literature, science, and the arts. Its origins in medieval England and connection to the name Robert make it a significant part of British surname heritage.

There are approximately 923 people named Robin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,837th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Robin.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mathias
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • April
  • Elizabeth
  • Frances
  • Jacqueline
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sara
  • Sarah
  • Stephanie
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.