"bright fame"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Robin
Pronunciation: [ r-AHB-uhn ]
Does Robin flow with your last name?
A medieval folk hero's name with timeless English charm
English
French
Dutch
American
Classic
Playful
Earthy
Vintage
Gentle
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Nicknames
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Fantasy Names
Robin as a Fantasy Character
Halfling lore, pronunciation, D&D class tips
Meaning & Origin
"shining glory"
Origin: Old High German
Language: French
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Robin
Robin is a medieval diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright) — meaning 'bright fame.' The diminutive was formed using the French -in suffix, which became common in medieval England. Robin has been used as both a masculine and feminine name throughout its history, though in the US it became more commonly given to girls in the late 20th century, making it increasingly gender-neutral.
Robin for boys peaked in the mid-20th century, particularly in the UK, where it was a top-50 name in the 1950s-60s. The legendary figure of Robin Hood has kept the name perennially visible. In the US, Robin shifted toward girls during the 1960s-70s, but recent decades have seen parents revisiting it as a gentle, literary name for boys. In the Netherlands and Belgium, Robin remains predominantly masculine.
Robin Hood is one of the most enduring folk heroes in English culture, appearing in literature, ballads, and films for nearly 700 years. The name Robin also connects to the beloved robin redbreast bird, symbolizing spring and renewal in British folk tradition. In France, Robin appears in medieval romances, giving the name dual literary and folk heritage.
Historical Record
Robin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 41,184 babies have been named Robin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Robin is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #809 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The earliest written reference to Robin Hood appears in William Langland's Piers Plowman around 1377
- Robin Williams, who bore this name, is one of the most celebrated comedic actors and entertainers in American history
- The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) became Britain's unofficial national bird in a 2015 public vote — the bird and the name share centuries of cultural connection
Robin in Other Languages
Dutch
Robin
French
Robin
German
Robin
Spanish
Robin
Scandinavian
Robin
Popularity Over Time
#809
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Robin
R
Robin Williams
Actor
1951
Academy Award-winning American comedian and actor, known for Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, and Mrs. Do...
Academy Award-winning American comedian and actor, known for Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, and Mrs. Doubtfire
R
Robin Hood Fictional
Other
England's most famous folk hero — the outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor, appearing in literature and bal...
England's most famous folk hero — the outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor, appearing in literature and ballads since the 14th century
R
Robin (DC Comics) Fictional
Other
Batman's sidekick and ward — the Boy Wonder, with multiple characters having held the role including Dick Grayson, Jason...
Batman's sidekick and ward — the Boy Wonder, with multiple characters having held the role including Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #809
- Total SSA Count
- 310
- Cultural Origins
- English French Dutch American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rob
Robbie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Robin
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Robin is also used as a girl name, ranked #798.
View Robin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Robin
What does the name Robin mean?
"bright fame" (from Germanic). "shining glory" (from Old High German). Robin is a medieval diminutive of Robert, from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright) — meaning 'bright fame.' The diminutive was formed using the French -in suffix, which became common in medieval England. Robin has been used as both a masculine and feminine name throughout its history, though in the US it became more commonly given to girls in the late 20th century, making it increasingly gender-neutral.
What is the origin of the name Robin?
Robin has Germanic, Old High German, English, French, Dutch, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "bright fame". In Old High German, it means "shining glory".
Is Robin a boy or girl name?
Robin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #809. As a girl name, it is ranked #798. Robin is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Robin?
Robin is pronounced r-AHB-uhn.
How popular is the name Robin?
Robin is currently ranked #809 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Robin?
Common nicknames for Robin include Rob and Robbie.
What are good middle names for Robin?
Popular middle name pairings include Robin James, Robin Alexander, Robin Thomas, Robin Lee, Robin William, Robin Mark, and Robin Hugh.
What are good sibling names for Robin?
Names that pair well with Robin as siblings include Marian, Alan, Scarlett, Will, Little John, Wren, and Finch.
How many syllables does Robin have?
Robin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Robin a common or rare name?
Robin is moderately common, ranked #809 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Robin?
Are there other spellings for Robin?
Related spellings include Robinson.
About the Name Robin
Robin is a boy name with English, French, Dutch, and American origins . The name means "bright fame" in Germanic .
Is Robin a boy or girl name? Robin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #809 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #798. Robin is more commonly used as a girl name.
Robin is currently ranked #809 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Robin has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-AHB-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Robin include Rob and Robbie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Robin include Robinson . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis