Origin & Meaning of the Robinson Surname
What does the last name Robinson mean?
The surname Robinson carries the meaning "Son of Robin." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 529,821 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Robinson ranks as the #30 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Robinson come from?
The Robinson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of 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 Robinson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Robinson trace back to 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 | Robinson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Robin |
| Origin | English |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #30 |
| US Count (2010) | 529,821 |
| Per 100K People | 179.61 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Robinson
According to the US Census, the Robinson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 529,821 Americans with the Robinson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 48.7% |
| Black | 44.93% |
| Hispanic | 2.61% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 2.77% |
Popularity of Robinson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Robinson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Robinson surname increased by 26,793 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Robinson
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Robinson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robinson
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