Origin & Meaning of the Roberts Surname
What does the last name Roberts mean?
The surname Roberts carries the meaning "Son of Roberts." It is derived from the Germanic/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 376,774 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Roberts ranks as the #50 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Roberts come from?
The Roberts surname has its roots in Welsh/English heritage. Names of Welsh/English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Roberts name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Roberts trace back to Germanic/English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Roberts |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Roberts |
| Origin | Welsh/English |
| Language | Germanic/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #50 |
| US Count (2010) | 376,774 |
| Per 100K People | 127.73 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Roberts
According to the US Census, the Roberts surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 376,774 Americans with the Roberts last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.27% |
| Black | 16.72% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.85% |
| Two or More Races | 2.15% |
Popularity of Roberts Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Roberts surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Roberts surname increased by 10,559 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Roberts Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Roberts ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Roberts
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Roberts.
Other Welsh/English Surnames
Explore more surnames with Welsh/English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Welsh/English origin as Roberts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roberts
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Roberts surname also look for: