What does Robin mean and where does it come from?
Robin is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old High German name 'Hruodobert', meaning 'bright fame'. It has been used since the Middle Ages as both a given name and a surname. The name is commonly associated with the legendary English figure 'Robin Hood'. It is a popular unisex name,
Cultural significance
Robin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #25 in 1962 — currently #786 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Robin?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Robin?
Robin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Robin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Robin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Robin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Robin Claire
French influence · crisp
Robin Jane
Literary · strong
Robin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Robin right now?
Rising — up 9 spots — currently #786 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #786 | 322 | ▲ up 9 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #795 | 318 | ▲ up 105 · +24% births |
| 2021 | #900 | 256 | ▲ up 3 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #903 | 287 | ▲ up 122 · +10% births |
| 2015 | #1025 | 260 | ▲ up 415 · +65% births |
| 2010 | #1440 | 158 | ▼ down 334 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #1106 | 214 | ▼ down 508 · -49% births |
| 2000 | #598 | 423 | ▼ down 237 · -42% births |
| 1995 | #361 | 726 | ▼ down 160 · -49% births |
| 1990 | #201 | 1,413 | ▼ down 54 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #147 | 2,012 | ▼ down 38 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #109 | 2,807 | ▼ down 44 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #65 | 4,329 | ▼ down 14 · -38% births |
| 1970 | #51 | 7,003 | ▼ down 18 · -42% births |
| 1965 | #33 | 11,991 | — |
The story of Robin
Robin entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. Its peak popularity was #25 in 1962. More than 335,548 babies have been named Robin since 1904. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2179 in 1910 to #786 in 2023. Robin is used for both genders: 86% female and 14% male.
Names that peaked alongside Robin in 1962:
Robin by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 22 | |
| 1890s | 25 | |
| 1900s | 56 | |
| 1910s | 293 | |
| 1920s | 784 | |
| 1930s | 1,638 | |
| 1940s | 9,854 | |
| 1950s | 97,632 | |
| 1960s ★ | 129,170 | |
| 1970s | 50,518 | |
| 1980s | 26,527 | |
| 1990s | 10,803 | |
| 2000s | 3,804 | |
| 2010s | 3,876 | |
| 2020s | 546 | |
What are good nicknames for Robin?
What names sound and feel like Robin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Robin also consider these
How is Robin written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Robin
What does the name Robin mean?
Robin means "English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Robin?
Robin is currently ranked #786 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Robin have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Robin?
Robin originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Robin?
Robin is a two-syllable name pronounced R AA1 B AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Robin trending right now?
Robin is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.