Robinson is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the given name Robin or Robyn, which means "famous brightness." The name was popularized by the novel "The Swiss Family Robinson," written by Johann Wyss in the late 18th century. This story follows the adventures of a family shipwrecked on an island and their struggles to survive and build a new life. Despite its Scottish origins, the name Robinson has become widely associated with this literary work and is often thought of as having English roots. Today, Robinson remains a popular surname throughout many English-speaking countries.
Based on the statistics provided, we can see that the number of births with the name Robinson in the United States has varied significantly over the past century.
The earliest data point available is from 1900, with a total of 7 births recorded that year. This number fluctuated throughout the early to mid-20th century, ranging between 5 and 26 births annually.
Interestingly, there was a notable spike in popularity for the name Robinson during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Between 1969 and 1973, there were more than 20 births each year, peaking at 32 births in 1975.
However, this trend did not continue into the latter part of the century. From 1980 onwards, the number of annual Robinson births dropped significantly, with only one year (1986) seeing more than 40 births.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Robinson has continued to decline. Between 2015 and 2023, there were fewer than 50 births each year, with a low of just 31 in 2022.
Overall, while the name Robinson has had periods of relative popularity throughout history, it appears that its usage as a given name has declined significantly over time. Despite this, it is still a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for a less common name for their child.