The nameRobin
Robin is a name of Germanic origin, a medieval pet form of Robert. The name of Robin Hood, it is given to boys and girls.
- Unisex name
- English
- Feast day
Meaning
Robin is a diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic Hrodebert, "bright fame". It is also the name of the bird.
Origin
English, through Old French. Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, is the hero of English ballads from the 14th century.
History
Robin was given to girls in the United States from the 1950s and to boys in Britain and Europe. Robin Williams is a famous bearer.
Robin in other languages
Robin is spelled the same in English, French, Dutch and the Nordic countries. It is the medieval pet form of Robert. In English, robin is also a bird, and the name is unisex.
Did you know?
- Robin Williams won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1998 for Good Will Hunting.
- Robin Hood first appears in English writing in the 14th century, in a mention of "rymes of Robyn Hood" in Piers Plowman.
Famous people named Robin
- Robin Hood, legendary outlaw
- Robin Williams, actor
- Robin Wright, actress
- Robin van Persie, footballer
Popularity of the name Robin
Robin in the United States
Robin was most popular in the United States in the 1960s, with 129,174 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Robin. Its rise began around 1949, and it peaked in 1961. Half of all babies named Robin in the United States were born before 1963, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 616 births a year on average, against 467 in the five years before.
Robin in the United Kingdom
Robin was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 3,878 births over the decade, 42% of all recorded babies named Robin. Half of all babies named Robin in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 667 births a year on average, against 466 in the five years before.
Robin in Ireland
Robin in France
Robin in Belgium
Robin in Switzerland
Robin in Austria
Robin in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Robin
Names from the same generation as Robin, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Robin? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Robin with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Robin side by side with the name of your choice.
Robin in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Robin mean?
Robin is a diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic Hrodebert, "bright fame". It is also the name of the bird.
What is the origin of the name Robin?
English, through Old French. Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, is the hero of English ballads from the 14th century.
Is Robin a girl's or a boy's name?
Robin is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys. In the United States, 86% of the babies named Robin are girls.
How popular is the name Robin?
In 2024, Robin was the 798th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 351 births.
What are the variants of the name Robin?
Variants and related names of Robin include Robert and Robyn.
What are good sibling names for Robin?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Annie, Alma, Joy and Elaine for a sister, Franklin, Francis, Lewis and Frederick for a brother.
Who are famous people named Robin?
Robin Hood, legendary outlaw; Robin Williams, actor; Robin Wright, actress; Robin van Persie, footballer.