All about the name

Robley

Male

« Robley is a rare English given name derived from the surname Robbins, which originated from the Old Norse personal name Hróðvaldr meaning 'famous power'. »

#9283 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Robley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname "Robbins," which is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name "Hróðvaldr." This name was composed of the elements "hroðr" meaning "famous" or "renowned," and "valdr" meaning "power" or "rule." The given name Robley is thought to have been created as a variant spelling of the name Robbins. It is not widely used, which contributes to its uniqueness. According to some sources, the name Robley may have been popularized by American author and humorist George Ade (1866-1944), who wrote a play called "The County Chairman" in which one of the characters was named Robley Fairfax. Despite its relatively obscure origins, the name Robley has appeared sporadically throughout history. For example, there was a Robley Wilson who served as a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Additionally, a notable bearer of the name is Robley Dunglison IV (born 1951), an American businessman and philanthropist who was named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2013. In summary, while not extremely common or well-known, the given name Robley has an interesting history rooted in English and Old Norse origins. Its unique spelling and relatively sparse usage contribute to its distinctive character, making it a potential choice for parents looking for something truly different for their child's name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Robley since 1880

Total births
362
Total since 1880
Peak year
1945
14 births
in 1972
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years