The name Robyn is an English given name derived from the Germanic name Robin, which itself comes from the Old French word "robin" meaning "bright fame" or "bright renown." The name Robin is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone with a ruddy complexion or reddish-brown hair color, similar to the red-breasted robin bird.

In early medieval times, the name Robin was primarily a masculine name, but by the late Middle Ages, it began to be used as a feminine name as well. The spelling variation Robyn emerged as a distinctly feminine form of the name, first appearing in records from the 16th century.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Robyn was Robyn Hode, a legendary outlaw from English folklore, who is often associated with the Robin Hood tales that date back to at least the 14th century. While the exact origins of the Robin Hood legend are unclear, the name Robyn Hode was recorded in various medieval ballads and stories.

In the 16th century, a notable figure with the name Robyn was Robyn Armin, an English comedian and actor who was a member of Shakespeare's company of players. Armin was born around 1555 and is credited with contributing to several of Shakespeare's plays.

Another historical figure named Robyn was Robyn Jeffs, an English Puritan minister and theologian who lived from 1610 to 1677. He was a prominent figure in the religious conflicts of the English Civil War era and authored several influential theological works.

In the 18th century, Robyn Adair was a Scottish noblewoman and poet who lived from 1720 to 1804. She is best known for her collection of poems titled "Muse's Instruction," which was published in 1773.

During the 19th century, Robyn Denny was a British painter and printmaker who was a part of the British Pop Art movement. She was born in 1930 and is renowned for her abstract compositions, which often incorporated elements of popular culture and advertising imagery.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the name Robyn, demonstrating its long-standing use as a feminine given name over the centuries, particularly in English-speaking cultures.