Robinson

What does the baby name Robinson mean? Learn about what Robinson means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Robinson - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Robinson
R-O-B-I-N-S-O-N, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Robinson
RAH-bin-sən
Meaning of Robinson
Son of robin, brilliant fame.
Origin of Robinson
The name 'Robinson' can be traced back to medieval England, where it first emerged as a patronymic surname. It is derived from the given name Robin, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Robert. The name Robert has Germanic roots, originating from the Old High German name Hrodebert, which means 'bright fame' or 'renowned in battle'. Over time, the surname 'Robinson' evolved to indicate 'son of Robin' or 'son of Robert.'
English Names
Germanic Names
Literary Names
Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Robinson
Bert
Bertie
Bob
Bobby
Rab
Rabbie
Riobard
Rip
Rob
Robart
Robbie
Robbins
Robbinson
Robby
Robers
Robert
Robertino
Roberto
Roberts
Robertson
Robeson
Robi
Robin
Robson
Roudbert
Rupert
Ruperto
Ruprecht
Popularity of Robinson
The popularity of the name 'Robinson' has fluctuated over the centuries. In medieval England, surnames were not as prevalent as they are today, and the use of patronymic names like 'Robinson' was common. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that surnames became more standardized, and the name 'Robinson' gained prominence.

During the 19th century, the name experienced a notable spike in usage. This can be attributed to the influence of the famous novel 'Robinson' Crusoe' written by Daniel Defoe in 1719. The adventurous tale of a castaway named 'Robinson' Crusoe captured the imagination of readers, and the name 'Robinson' became associated with resilience, resourcefulness, and survival.
Robinson currently has 137 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Glenn is slightly more popular than Robinson.

Etymology of Robinson

The etymology of the name 'Robinson' is rooted in the Old High German language. The Germanic elements 'hrod' and 'beraht' combine to form the name Robert, which means 'bright fame' or 'renowned in battle'. The name 'Robinson', as a patronymic surname, carries the meaning of 'son of Robert' or 'descendant of Robert.'

Cultural Significance of Robinson

The name 'Robinson' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In literature, the character 'Robinson' Crusoe has become an iconic figure, representing the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The name has also been used in various works of art, music, and film, further cementing its cultural significance.

In addition, the name 'Robinson' has been associated with exploration and adventure. The spirit of exploration embodied by 'Robinson' Crusoe has inspired many individuals to seek out new horizons and push the boundaries of human achievement.