What does Robinson mean and where does it come from?
Robinson is of English origin, originally a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Robin.' The name Robin itself is derived from the Old French name ‘Robinet,’ a diminutive of Robert, meaning 'bright fame.' It has a historical presence in England, as surnames evolved into given names. Notable people wit
Cultural significance
Robinson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of robin.
Peak popularity
Reached #1161 in 1900 — currently #3048 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Robinson?
Robinson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Robinson Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Robinson Rose
Floral · soft ending
Robinson Mae
Sweet · timeless
Robinson Claire
French influence · crisp
Robinson Jane
Literary · strong
Robinson Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Robinson right now?
Rising fast — up 627 spots — currently #3048 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3048 | 41 | ▲ up 627 · +32% births |
| 2022 | #3675 | 31 | ▼ down 867 · -31% births |
| 2021 | #2808 | 45 | ▲ up 585 · +41% births |
| 2020 | #3393 | 32 | ▼ down 1006 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #2387 | 54 | ▲ up 300 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #2687 | 45 | ▼ down 113 · +5% births |
| 2005 | #2574 | 43 | ▲ up 241 · +34% births |
| 2000 | #2815 | 32 | ▼ down 670 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #2145 | 38 | ▼ down 550 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #1595 | 52 | ▲ up 51 · +37% births |
| 1985 | #1646 | 38 | ▲ up 328 · +36% births |
| 1980 | #1974 | 28 | ▼ down 364 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #1610 | 32 | ▲ up 210 · +33% births |
| 1970 | #1820 | 24 | ▲ up 200 · +50% births |
| 1965 | #2020 | 16 | — |
The story of Robinson
Robinson has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. With 2,735 total births recorded, Robinson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1161 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3048 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Robinson in 1900:
Robinson by decade
Robinson peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 7 | |
| 1910s | 90 | |
| 1920s | 108 | |
| 1930s | 99 | |
| 1940s | 89 | |
| 1950s | 133 | |
| 1960s | 193 | |
| 1970s | 234 | |
| 1980s | 387 | |
| 1990s | 449 | |
| 2000s | 398 | |
| 2010s ★ | 516 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎With 2,735 total births, Robinson is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Robinson?
What names sound and feel like Robinson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Robinson also consider these
Common questions about the name Robinson
What does the name Robinson mean?
Robinson means "Son of Robin" — 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 Robinson?
Robinson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Robinson?
Robinson 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 Robinson?
Robinson is a three-syllable name pronounced R AA1 B AH0 N S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Robinson?
Robinson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.