Robinson

Origin and Meaning

The British surname Robinson is of patronymic origin, derived from the given name Robert, which comes from the Old Germanic name "Hrodebert", meaning "bright fame". The suffix "-son" indicates "son of", so Robinson translates to "son of Robert".

History

The surname Robinson has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is a common surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom. The prevalence of the name can be attributed to its association with the popularity of the name Robert in medieval England.

Variants

Variants of the Robinson surname include Robison, Robson, and Roberts. These variations arose from phonetic or regional differences.

Notable People

  • Robinson Crusoe: While not a real person, Robinson Crusoe is the fictional protagonist of Daniel Defoe's novel published in 1719. The character is seen as a symbol of survival and resilience.

  • Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson, born in 1919, broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He became the first African American to play in the modern era of the MLB, paving the way for future generations of black athletes.

Distribution

The surname Robinson is widespread in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is one of the most common surnames in these regions.

Coat of Arms

The Robinson family crest typically features symbols representing strength, faith, and loyalty. Heraldic elements such as shields, lions, and crowns may be included in different variations of the coat of arms.

Trivia

  • The Robinson surname has been notably associated with explorers and adventurers in literature and history.
  • Famous British comedians, such as Eddie Izzard and David Mitchell, have the surname Robinson.

There are approximately 177,046 people named Robinson in the UK. That makes it the 14th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,719 in a million people in Britain are named Robinson.

Surname type: From name of parent

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
  • 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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