"bright fame, shining fame"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Robin
Pronunciation: [ r-AHB-uhn ]
Girl Name
#798 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A name as bright as the robin's breast
English
American
French
Dutch
Classic
Vintage
Gentle
Earthy
Whimsical
Meaning & Origin
"little Robert"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
The Story of Robin
Robin is a diminutive of Robert, which derives from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright), meaning 'bright fame'. As a given name, Robin was used for both boys and girls in medieval England. In folklore, Robin Hood — the legendary outlaw of Sherwood Forest — is the most famous bearer. The robin redbreast bird, a beloved symbol of spring in British culture, shares the name and adds a sweet nature connection.
Robin has been used for both genders throughout history, though in recent decades it has skewed more feminine in the United States while remaining masculine in some European countries. The name enjoyed steady popularity from the 1940s through the 1980s. It's a timeless choice that hasn't peaked dramatically in any era, giving it an understated classic quality.
Robin Hood is one of the most enduring figures in English folklore, representing justice for the poor. Robin Williams brought extraordinary energy and warmth to the name. The European robin redbreast is such a beloved bird in Britain that it was once considered for unofficial national bird status. In Netherlands and France, Robin remains a popular male name.
Fun Facts
- Robin Hood first appears in 14th-century English ballads, making this one of the oldest names associated with a legendary outlaw hero
- The European robin has featured on British Christmas cards since Victorian times and is deeply embedded in British culture
- Robin Williams won four Grammy Awards, an Emmy, a Tony, and an Academy Award across his career
Robin in Other Languages
Dutch
Robin
French
Robin
German
Robin
Italian
Robin
Spanish
Robin
Famous People Named Robin
R
Robyn (Robin Miriam Carlsson)
Musician
1979
Swedish pop icon known for 'Dancing On My Own' and her influential contributions to electronic pop
R
Robin Williams
Entertainer
1951
Oscar-winning American comedian and actor known for Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, and his legendary improvisational...
Oscar-winning American comedian and actor known for Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, and his legendary improvisational comedy
R
Robin Hood Fictional
Other
Legendary English outlaw of Sherwood Forest who stole from the rich to give to the poor, first appearing in 14th-century...
Legendary English outlaw of Sherwood Forest who stole from the rich to give to the poor, first appearing in 14th-century ballads
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #798
- Total SSA Count
- 351
- Cultural Origins
- English American French Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Rob
Pairs Well With
Robin Anne
Robin Grace
Robin Lynn
Robin Marie
Robin Jean
Robin Claire
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Robin is also used as a boy name, ranked #809.
View Robin as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Robin
What does the name Robin mean?
"bright fame, shining fame" (from Germanic). "little Robert" (from Old French). Robin is a diminutive of Robert, which derives from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'beraht' (bright), meaning 'bright fame'. As a given name, Robin was used for both boys and girls in medieval England. In folklore, Robin Hood — the legendary outlaw of Sherwood Forest — is the most famous bearer. The robin redbreast bird, a beloved symbol of spring in British culture, shares the name and adds a sweet nature connection.
What is the origin of the name Robin?
Robin has Germanic, Old French, English, American, French, and Dutch origins. In Germanic, it means "bright fame, shining fame". In Old French, it means "little Robert".
Is Robin a boy or girl name?
Robin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #798. As a boy name, it is ranked #809. 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 #798 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Robin?
Common nicknames for Robin include Rob.
What are good middle names for Robin?
Popular middle name pairings include Robin Anne, Robin Grace, Robin Lynn, Robin Marie, Robin Jean, and Robin Claire.
What are good sibling names for Robin?
Names that pair well with Robin as siblings include Wren, Finch, Jay, Sterling, Holly, and Ivy.
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 #798 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Robin
Robin is a girl name with English, American, French, and Dutch origins . The name means "bright fame, shining fame" in Germanic .
Is Robin a boy or girl name? Robin is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #798 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #809. Robin is more commonly used as a girl name.
Robin is currently ranked #798 in popularity for girl 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. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.