Surname Robb - Meaning and Origin
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read moreRobb: What does the surname Robb mean?
The surname Robb is of ancient origin and is derived from the personal name Robert. It is a patronymic name, meaning it is based on the name of a male ancestor. The name Robert itself comes from the Old Germanic name 'Hrodebert', which means 'bright fame'. The name was introduced into Britain by the Normans in the form 'Robert' during the Norman Conquest in 1066. Previous to this, the Anglo-Saxon form was 'Hreodbeorht'. The name Robb is popular in both Scotland and Northern England. Variants of this surname include Robs, Robbs, Robbe, Robbins, and Robinson. Therefore, people with the last name Robb likely have ancestors who were named Robert, conveying the meaning of 'son of Robert' or 'descendant of Robert'.
Order DNA origin analysisRobb: Where does the name Robb come from?
Robb is a surname of Scottish origin, coming from the ancient name, Robert. Despite being of Scots origin, it is most common today in the United States. According to the 2010 Census, the states with the highest number of people with the last name Robb are California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and New York.
As one of the top 1000 surnames in the United States, the last name Robb is of particular note in the western part of the country. Specifically, in each of the 5 counties of Lane, Deschutes, Umatilla, Grant and Multnomah in Oregon, Robbs make up more than 0.5% of the total population.
Robb is one of the oldest names in Scotland, first appearing in the records dating back to the mid 13th century. Following Scotland's presence during the British colonization of America, many Robbs found themselves migrating and eventually settling in the United States. As a result, today the Robb family spans multiple generations and is dispersed throughout the nation.
Robbs in the US can find their ancestors in the original migration from Scotland, but may also be the product of a more recent family tree. Considering the American branch of the family has grown significantly in recent years, it comes as no surprise that Robbs are a common surname in the United States today.
Variations of the surname Robb
The surname Robb is a Scottish origin, roughly derived from the Old Norse word "rauðr," which means "red." Some of the variants, spellings and surnames with the same origin for Robb include Rab, Rabb, Rabe, Rabbe, Rabon, Rob, Robbe, Robben, Robbin, Robbinet, Robbins, Robens, Robers, Robeson, Roberts, Robinson, Robison, Robson, Roby, Roub, Roubeau, and Rouff.
Rab and Rabb are alternate spellings of the name that has been used for centuries. Some instances of it appearing in print date back to the mid-1700s. The spelling variations of Robb are generally found in records dating back to the 1500s, and it’s likely that the surname originates from that period.
Rob and Robbe are two of the more popular spellings found in various English speaking countries. Robbin, Robbinet, and Robbins are just some of the minor variants of the name. Robens and Rouff are also more uncommon spellings of the name.
Roberts, Robinson, Robison, and Robson are some of the more popular variants of Robb, and even spelling variations are often grouped together under one name. Roby and Roub are two of the more uncommon variants. Roubeau, on the other hand, is French in origin and derives from the same root word as Robb.
Famous people with the name Robb
- Jamie Dornan (born Jamie Martin Dornan, 1982): Scottish actor known for portraying Christian Grey in Fifty Shades franchise.
- Stephenie Meyer (born Stephenie Morgan Robb, 1973): American novelist, film producer, and screenwriter best known for authoring the Twilight series.
- Michael Robb (born 1990): Australian Paralympic swimmer.
- Tonya Pinkins (born Tonya N. Robb, 1962): American actress and singer.
- Chris Robb (born 1964): British actor who has appeared in St. Trinians and The Hours.
- Benjamin Robb (born 1978): New Zealand photographer, founder of the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.
- Issa Robb (fl. 1990s–present): Australian pediatric oncologist, researcher, and Children's Cancer Institute president.
- Stuart Robb (born 1981): British broadcast journalist.
- Clyde Robb (born 1986): Australian musician and television presenter.
- Billy Robb (born 1993): Canadian professional soccer player.