Robin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Robin has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Robin

From the diminutive of Robert, an Old German name meaning "bright fame".

Popularity of Robin by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Robin is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 82% of people named Robin being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 354 female babies and 322 male babies born with the name Robin.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 322 354
2022 316 321
2021 256 290
2020 259 289
2019 257 261
2018 202 270
2017 201 256
2016 170 238
2015 213 260
2014 192 226
2013 157 190
2012 104 175
2011 101 146
2010 108 158
2009 93 178
2008 119 188
2007 130 214
2006 120 226
2005 130 214
2004 132 253
2003 112 255
2002 122 271
2001 132 359
2000 136 423
1999 158 462
1998 158 496
1997 176 596
1996 178 719
1995 225 726
1994 230 799
1993 296 998
1992 300 1,056
1991 306 1,233
1990 281 1,414
1989 324 1,799
1988 326 1,765
1987 304 1,911
1986 354 2,266
1985 372 2,012
1984 435 2,111
1983 412 2,387
1982 407 2,767
1981 456 2,869
1980 443 2,807
1979 499 3,206
1978 386 3,442
1977 368 3,428
1976 394 3,624
1975 409 4,329
1974 425 4,524

The history of the first name Robin

The given name Robin is derived from the Germanic name Robyn, which is a diminutive of the name Robert. The name Robert is derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" (fame) and "berht" (bright). The name Robin first emerged in the Medieval period, around the 12th century, and was initially a nickname for someone with a bright, reddish complexion, likely inspired by the red-breasted robin bird.

In the 13th century, the name Robin gained popularity as a given name, particularly in England and France. It was often associated with the folklore character Robin Hood, a heroic outlaw said to have robbed from the rich and given to the poor during the reign of King Richard I in the late 12th century. The earliest recorded use of the name Robin as a given name dates back to 1256 in England.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Robin was Robin de Beaumont, a 13th-century English nobleman and crusader. Another notable figure was Robin de Rede, a 14th-century English outlaw and leader of a band of robbers known as the "Roberdsmen."

In literature, the name Robin first appeared in the 14th-century ballads and plays about Robin Hood. One of the earliest examples is the 14th-century poem "A Gest of Robyn Hode," which depicts Robin as a skilled archer and swordsman who robs from the rich and gives to the poor.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Robin, including:

  1. Robin, Earl of Richmond (1157-1234), an English nobleman and military leader during the reign of King John.
  2. Robin Redbreast (1550-1628), an English folk hero and outlaw from Yorkshire.
  3. Robin Goodfellow (16th century), a mischievous fairy or hobgoblin from English folklore.
  4. Robin Wortley (1590-1652), an English Puritan clergyman and theologian.
  5. Robin des Bois (1673-1753), a French playwright and author known for his contributions to the Robin Hood legend.

The name Robin has remained a popular choice for boys throughout the centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its association with the legendary Robin Hood has contributed to its enduring appeal and romantic connotations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Robin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Robin, please contact us.

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"Robin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 4, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/robin-meaning-and-history/.

"Robin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/robin-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 4 November, 2024

Robin first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/robin-meaning-and-history/.

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